The CBB :: View topic - The Swiss Family Watson

#1: The Swiss Family Watson - Chapter I Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:29 pm

Evvy and Edgar have moved houses as this may wander slightly out of EBD's radar a little way down the line!
Very Happy

For past ref if anyone needs it...

Long Road Home

A Second Chance Part One
A Second Chance - Part Two
A Second Chance - Part Three
A Second Chance - Part Four

...or PM me if you'd like the docs without the yibble

The haphazard stacks of photo albums had been straining for release from their confines ever since they’d been bundled back into the dresser a year previously, the last time anybody had paid them any attention. Coming down the stairs, ready to pack up the contents of the dresser, Lady Watson had entirely forgotten they were there. She dropped the two empty boxes she was carrying onto the polished wooden floor, crouched down and reached out a hand, pulling open the door nearest to her. A second later she gave a wild shriek as the piles inside gave way and came cascading down on top of her, knocking her off-balance and causing her to topple ignominiously onto her backside.

Cursing audibly and thanking her lucky stars that none of her children had been around to see the spectacle, she rubbed her calf where something had hit her exposed skin leaving a red mark. Then picking up the nearest book, she smiled as she saw what had landed on her. It was their family albums, telling the story of fourteen joyful years in their Geneva home; fourteen joyful years of marriage and family life. She began to leaf through the one she held in her hands and felt a lump come to her throat as she looked at the happy, smiling faces of her family gathered together on the back lawn. Their youngest had been just two at the time. It all felt so long ago now.

Deciding that her packing could wait a little longer, she began to pile the albums up on the floor, sorting them into date order. Then picking up the first six in her arms, she made her way out through the salon to the gardens at the rear of the house.

Thirty minutes later, she had transferred them all outside. Sitting herself down at the table with a cup of strong, milky coffee, she opened the first book – the one with ‘Summer. 1954’ inscribed on the inside of the cover. Turning back the protective sheaf of tissue paper, she felt sentimental tears pricking the back of her eyes. She blinked hard and smiled as she stared at the first photo; one of herself, fourteen years ago, posing outside the front of the house. It was the day that they had moved in, eleven days into their honeymoon. She could even remember why she had been laughing. Edgar had been having trouble getting the camera to work…

Last edited by Josie on Fri Jun 24, 2005 6:31 pm; edited 49 times in total

#2: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:32 pm

Yippeeeeeee! They're back! Thank you SHINY Jo Kiss

Peas may I exercise gloating rights?

#3: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:33 pm

Good God Jo, you know how to work yourself don't you??!

Who know's, maybe I'll actually be able to keep up with this one! Wink

#4: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:35 pm

Yaaaay! It's a good job I'm on my own in the room, as I actually did a real happy dance at seeing this up. I can't wait to catch up on the last fourteen years (are you really going to do them all at once?! Smile

)! Thank you Jo! Very Happy

#5: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:45 pm

Great to see this up so quickly, Jo! Thank you.

ETA I never gloat Rolling Eyes

#6: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:57 pm

What a lovely beginning, thanks Jo

and certainly worth getting out of bed to check upon!!

#7: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 10:16 pm

at Josie's ability to write so much in such a short space of time!

But YAY! Evvy and Edgar are back!

#8: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 10:44 pm

woohoo!!!!!!

more evvy and edgar!

14 years of evvy and edgar!

*bounces off the walls and lands back in chair facing screen*

more? please? Very Happy

#9: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:45 am

I hope they have had 14 happy and stress free years. Apart from Evvy's occasional flashes of temper.

I look forward to hearing about them.

Shiney Josie.

#10: Author: tiffinata, Location: melbourne, australia

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:16 am

Wooo-hooo!

Josie, you workaholic you!

What do you feed that bunny??

#11: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:01 am

Thanks Jo.

A lovely beginning - and looking forward to more

14 years worth of Evvy & Edgar & family & friends - that's gotta be a loooooong drabble Wink

Liz

#12: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:22 am

Yay! They're back! Hurrah!

Thanks Jo Very Happy

#13: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:56 am

pim wrote:

Peas may I exercise gloating rights?

NORTY Pim!

Thank you Jo!! Yay it's back Very Happy

#14: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:12 am

Oh Yay they're back Thanks Josie can't wait for more. Very Happy

#15: Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:12 am

Hurrah and huzzah! Looking forward to hearing more about the Watsons. Very Happy

#16: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:50 am

Yay!!!!
Thank you Jo!!! Looking forward to finding out what they've been up to in those 14 years!

#17: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:34 am

Hooray!

Thank you Jo!

#18: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:40 am

Thanks, Josie - what a great start!

I, too, am awed by the amount of writing you manage to do.

#19: Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:42 pm

Looking forward to lots and lots more of this!!!

It's as shiny as ever!

#20: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 1:31 pm

“Well I don’t know what’s wrong with the blasted thing!”

Examining the back of the camera intently, the frown on his face deepening, Edgar gave it a shake and then glared suspiciously at his wife who had suddenly started giggling.

“What’s so funny?”

“You…the lens…” Evadne giggled again as he lifted the camera back to his eye, and giving up her efforts to speak, she pointed forlornly at his hands.

Confused, Edgar lowered the camera, turning it around so he could see the front. The next moment he went bright red and sheepishly removed the lens cap, putting it in his pocket.

“Okay, okay – I’m an idiot!” He grinned as Evadne lifted her head to look at him, still laughing and wiping away tears of mirth. “Smile!” and lifting the camera back to his eye, he quickly took a picture before she had time to react.

“Hey! I wasn’t ready!”

“Serves you right for laughing at me!” Laying the camera down carefully on top of the suitcase next to him, Edgar walked towards her. “Right, time to get into the house I think! No, leave that there for now,” he added, as Evadne leaned down to grab the handle of her bag.

“Why?”

“Because I’m going to carry you over the threshold, of course!”

“Oh no you’re not!” She dodged sideways to try and escape him, but he was too quick for her and reached out to grab her arm. “Edgar, no! We’ve been into the house already - you don’t need to carry me in now!”

“I know we have, but we've not been in since the wedding and it’s traditional, so I’m carrying you over the threshold whether you like it or not!” and as she laughed and tried to free herself from his grasp, he reached down and picked her up in a fireman’s lift. Ignoring her protests, he carried her across the forecourt to the already-open front door.

Once they were inside the spacious entrance hall, he stopped and lowered her back to the floor, grinning at her indignant expression. “There, that wasn’t so painful was it?”

“How very romantic of you!” she retorted, straightening her skirt, “I thought you were supposed to sweep me up in your arms, not carry me over like a sack of potatoes!”

“Well you shouldn’t have protested then should you?” He looked around at the newly-papered walls. “Come on grumpy, let’s go and see what sort of job the decorators have done. We should have a kitchen by now too,” and taking hold of her hand, he led her to the far side of the hall and in through the kitchen door.

They spent the next hour going happily from room to room, checking the decorating and making final decisions on which room would be which. With the exception of the kitchen, the only furnished room was their bedroom. That they had done before the wedding had taken place, knowing they would need somewhere to sleep when they arrived. The rest of the furniture was due to begin arriving that afternoon.

The upstairs was easily sorted out. They decided to leave the three children to choose their own bedrooms, and the rest would be guest rooms. Making their way back downstairs, the drawing room, Edgar’s study, and the dining room were soon chosen. The salon, they had already determined, would be the vast room running along the back of the house, with french doors opening out onto the terrace. Part of the basement was obviously meant to be a wine cellar. The other half, with its large vent leading outside, they designated a workroom, where Ned could work on his models and Edgar could, in his own words, ‘build things’.

Evadne was now standing in a smallish room built as an extension off the rear of the salon, set back and protruding from the side of the house. It had large windows running right around its two external walls, allowing views of both the gardens running down to the tennis court at the side of the house, and the lake and mountains at the back. There was a wide window seat in the corner and built-in bookcases along the back wall. As Edgar came into the room, she turned around to face him with a wide grin.

“This is ours.”

He raised an eyebrow, a little confused. “I know that, we own the whole house!”

“Oh…you!” Evadne replied in exasperated tones. “You know what I mean! It’s our ‘snug’!”

“What on earth’s a ‘snug’?”

“It’s our own special room - where we can come and sit and look at the view and be together. See, we’ve got bookshelves so we can have a mini library, and there’s room for a couple of armchairs and a table. And come see the view from here!” she added, beckoning him over to the window seat on which she was now kneeling.

Walking over to stand behind her, he slipped his arms around her waist and looked out of the window at the Alps towering over the gleaming, blue lake. Then lowering his head, he kissed the top of hers. “I love that idea.”

Evadne leant back into him. “My folks had a room like that when I was a kid,” she recalled, a touch of wistfulness in her voice. “I always promised myself I’d have one too, when I got a husband of my own.” She tilted her head back to look up at him. “And now I have both!”

He smiled down at her, but before he could reply, the sound of the doorbell clanged throughout the house. Pulling out of his arms, Evvy jumped down from the seat and made for the door.

“That must be the first of the furniture! What was coming today again?”

“The sofas and things for the salon, I think,” Edgar replied, following her out of the room into the hall.

He was soon proved right, as they opened the front door to find a small, wiry, moustachioed man standing on their doorstep, holding a clipboard, while two other, larger men unloaded an armchair from the back of a van. Edgar exchanged a few quick words with the smaller man, while Evadne checked that the way through to the salon was clear, and before long, they were unloading the Watson’s new furniture into the house.

#21: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:21 pm

Lovely - thank you Jo. Great to see them settling in to the new house.

#22: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:30 pm

Jo, I'm so impressed - another part already! And it looks just as good as the others!

Your story will keep me going over exam term, though I might not have quite as much time to spend reading it as I would ideally like! I know I shouldn't wish time away, but oh for the 11th June when all exams will be finished for another year!

#23: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 3:01 pm

Brilliant Jo, as always - love your writing, and Evvy is just perfect!

#24: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 4:28 pm

Lovely Jo

*wants a snug like that*

Liz

#25: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 5:00 pm

Thank you Jo! Can't believe I missed this yesterday!!
Am very impressed that it's back already!

#26: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:32 pm

yay!!!

thank you for the update Jo - Evvy and Edgar are so lovely....14 years of loveliness to come *dances happily*

#27: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:31 pm

Good to see this back Josie.

#28: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:31 pm

Lovely to see more of this Josie!

Thank you. Kiss

#29: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:19 am

Go Josie, go Josie, go Josie, go Josie, go Josie...!

YAY!!!!!

#30: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:40 am

Evvy was standing in the corner of the salon, directing them as to where to put everything, when Edgar came over and took hold of her elbow, steering her out of the room.

“Will you be alright looking after things here for a while?”

“Yes, of course,” she answered, surprised at his question. “Why? Where are you off to?”

“I’ve got to go and get the car. The dealer’s been holding it for us ‘til we arrived, and I think we could do with it as soon as possible. I thought I’d pop into the city, drop off the rental and pick it up now, before things get too hectic here.”

“Sure, that makes sense. Is this it for today, or are we expecting anything else?”

“No, this is it. You just need to check that everything on the foreman’s list is actually here and then sign for it all when they’re finished unloading. I’ve just tried the phone and that’s working fine, so I think that’s all for today.”

“Okay. Can you pick up some bread and cold meat and salad-y things for dinner while you’re in there? I haven’t figured out the stove yet, so I don’t think me cooking is the best option!”

Edgar laughed. “Will do. I shouldn’t be too long,” and planting a quick kiss on her cheek, he turned and headed out of the front door.

Evadne watched him go, and then smiling to herself, she made her way back into the salon just in time to prevent them from putting one of the large, heavy sofas against the wrong wall.

It was almost six-thirty by the time Edgar returned in their new Mercedes. Pulling it up outside the house, he jumped out and surveyed it proudly as his wife came out of the front door.

“Well, what do you think?”

Evadne tilted her head to one side. “It’s white and it’s a car.”

“Evvy! How can you say that?” Edgar exclaimed, aghast. “This is a top of the range Mercedes-Benz 300b!”

Trying hard not to laugh, Evadne shook her head. “You see, you may say that, but all I see is ‘white’ and ‘car’!”

Shaking his head in disbelief, Edgar patted the bonnet and walked towards her. “You just don’t understand, do you?”

“No, sorry,” she replied, raising her face for his kiss, “and let’s face it, the way me and cars go together, it’s probably best that I don’t! Did you get the things for dinner? I don’t know about you, but I’m famished!”

“Yes, they’re in the boot. Honestly woman, you and your stomach!” Edgar retorted with a grin, making his way back to the car to retrieve the shopping. “I thought I’d better buy a few plates and some cutlery and things too, seeing as none of our stuff’s arrived yet.”

“Oh, I forgot all about that! Well done!” Taking the bags from his hand, she turned to go back into the house. “Grab the rug from the bag upstairs, will you? We can put it on the back lawn and eat out there,” and with that she was gone.

In the end, they decided to eat dinner on the terrace, the lawn being slightly damp. As day slowly turned to night they tucked into a tasty meal of cold cuts, fresh bread and tomatoes, followed by some delicious sponge and cream concoctions that Edgar had found in a patisserie in the city. When they finished, Evadne disappeared inside to find them both jumpers, as it was getting cold now that the sun was going down. On her return, she found Edgar sitting on the rug, staring down at the lake and holding a glass of scotch.

“Here you go!” she said, laying his jumper over his shoulder and looking at the drink in his hand. “Is there one for me too?”

“Of course!” Reaching behind him, he picked up a second tumbler and handed it up to her. “For you, my lady!” he grinned, and placing his glass down beside him, he began to pull his sweater over his head.

Evadne took a sip of her drink, and looked around her. The sun was setting in the sky behind them, casting an orangey-pink light on the mountains to the south of the city. The cicadas were buzzing in the trees around the garden, and the gentle hum of activity could be heard on the water, as boats headed back into shore after their day on the lake. Heaving a satisfied sigh, she sat down between her husband’s legs, turning her back to him and leaning into his chest.

“A girl could get used to this honeymoon lark, you know!” she said contentedly, gazing out at the view, her eyes shining as they reflected the colours in the sky.

Edgar chuckled as he finished putting his right arm into the sleeve of his jumper. “Well make the most of it – our peace’ll be shattered in a couple of weeks time!” he replied, wrapping his arms around her and taking her free hand in his own.

Evadne laughed. “I know. I do miss them though – it’ll be wonderful when they do get here.” Tilting her head back to look at him, she added excitedly, “We’re in our very own home, Edgar! It’s so perfect I can scarcely believe it!”

Smiling down at her, Edgar bent to kiss her gently on the lips. Then pulling back, he gazed at her as she grinned up at him, her face alight with happiness. “Well you’d better get used to it, because this is it for the rest of your life!” he said, his green eyes twinkling as he spoke.

“Hmm, let me think.” She shifted position slightly, so that she was leaning against his left arm. “So I’m now stuck here with that view, this house, the lake, my family and my wonderful husband – I reckon I can get used to it!” and placing her drink on the ground, she lifted her hand to pull his head down towards her and kissed him back.

For anyone who may be vaguely interested, this is what the car looks like!
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/josiew72/Image18.jpg

#31: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:27 am

Nice car!!!

Lovely! Thank you Jo!

#32: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:29 am

very nice car - I want one!

this is lovely, thanks Jo.

#33: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:33 am

Yep, it's white and a car!

Thanks Josie. Laughing

#34: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:40 am

But it's such a PRETTY car!!

Thank you Josie Very Happy

They're so sweet!

#35: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:49 am

Thank you Jo Very Happy

I love the idea of a snug

The car is vair shiny *plots some carnapping*

#36: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:59 am

Thanks Josie love the car Very Happy

#37: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:07 am

Hurrah, it's the car! *giggles* Definately going with Evvy on that one Very Happy

#38: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:42 am

Lovely post, Thanks Jo.

Does anyone else do what I do and visualise the setting? If I saw that house, I'd know it. You've described just enough to let my imagination fill in the rest.

#39: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:42 pm

Thanks, Josie. All that and a seriously drooly car.

#40: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 2:44 pm

Now that's a car! Me likey very very much - even if I am a Citroen lover Smile

#41: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:32 pm

Awww! They are sooo sweet!!

(Btw, you impressed I'm keeping up this time Jo?! Wink

)

#42: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:04 pm

Wonderful again Jo! Thanks hun!

#43: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:19 pm

oooh thank you!

*wants an edgar for herself, but he's now sadly married to evvy*

#44: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:51 pm

Thanks Jo

Am totally with Evvy on the white car! Laughing

Liz

#45: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:16 am

The next morning, Evadne was rudely awoken by the sound of someone hammering loudly downstairs. Groggily opening one eye, she reached out to grab her watch off the nightstand and checked the time: seven-thirty a.m.

“What idiot’s banging around at this hour?” she muttered grouchily, distinctly unimpressed at being woken up.

There was no reply. Turning over, she realised that the other half of the bed was empty; Edgar was already up. It must be him making all that noise. Sitting up, she yawned and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. They hadn’t yet got curtains on the windows, and she could see that it was going to be a scorching hot day. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and when she knelt up to get a better view, she could see the sun beating down on the back lawn, even at this early hour.

Another volley of bangs and thumps echoed through the house. Evadne grimaced at the din and decided that now she was awake, she may as well get up and go and find out exactly what her husband was up to. Swinging her legs out from underneath her, she sat on the edge of the bed and slid her feet into her slippers. Then grabbing her thin summer dressing gown from the bedpost, she wrapped it around her, tying it at the waist, and made for the door. She had her hand on the handle, ready to turn it when she heard a noise outside on the landing, and she stepped back just in time. The next moment, the door opened and Edgar came into the room carrying a tray. He grinned as he saw her standing there.

“Good morning, dormouse!” Putting the tray down on a nearby chest of drawers, he walked over and kissed her on the forehead. “Did you sleep alright?”

Evadne pulled a face at him. “I did ‘til you started banging around at unearthly hours! What in god’s name were you doing down there? Please tell me that wasn’t you making my breakfast!” she added, with a concerned look at the tray, which was actually one side of a small packing crate.

Edgar chuckled and shook his head. “I wasn’t doing anything down there – or not that was making a noise at least.” He looked her up and down as he spoke, taking in her dressing gown and slippers. “You may want to put a few more clothes on though, if you’re planning on heading down.”

“Why?”

“Because, my love, we have a house full of delivery men! The dining room furniture and the terrace table and chairs have arrived - and the first of the boxes from England are due shortly too. I thought you might prefer to hide up here until you’d eaten and made yourself fit to be seen.”

“What are they doing here at seven-thirty?” she asked, incredulously, and Edgar raised his eyebrows and looked at his watch.

“Evvy, it’s almost ten o’clock!”

“What? It can’t be!” Walking back to the nightstand, she picked up her watch. It still showed the exact same time as it had done ten minutes before. “Damn thing must be broken again!”

“Broken or not wound?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Pretending she hadn’t heard this last question, she put it down again and made her way over to the chest of drawers to examine her breakfast. “Coffee, croissant and fruit – perfect! Okay, I’ll keep you!”

Edgar chuckled. “So I should hope! Now, enjoy your breakfast and I’ll see you downstairs when you’re ready,” and picking an orange segment off the plate and popping it in his mouth, he left the room.

The next few hours flew by, as furniture was delivered and assembled in various rooms of the house. Not long after midday, the first crates arrived containing some of the belongings they had shipped out from England, including the enormous box that housed Millicent Mary. Well, Millicent Mary’s body anyway. Unfortunately, despite searching high and low, they were unable to locate the head. Having turned out every crate to no avail, they eventually gave up and instead turned their attention to unpacking their belongings, and making the house a proper home.

Sitting on the floor of the salon, Edgar was busy unpacking photographs of his family, dusting them off and standing them on the low dresser next to him. After several attempts, he finally managed to get a picture of his three children to stand up straight, and turning his attention back to the crate, he pulled out a small frame that had been tucked down the side. Turning it over, he was shocked to see Madeleine staring back at him. How had that got in there? He was sure he had left all her photographs behind at Whitlingford Hall. Gazing down at the delicate face of his first wife, he felt a slight lump form in his throat as his mind dwelled for a moment on all that had passed since that picture had been taken.

“You okay?”

Edgar started as Evadne’s voice cut through his thoughts. Looking over to where she was busy unpacking books and sorting them into piles, he gave her a guilty smile. “Yes thanks. Was just thinking, that’s all.”

“What’s that?” she asked, inclining her head towards the frame he still clutched in his hand.

Slowly, he turned it around so that she could see for herself. As her eyes widened in surprise, he hastened to explain. “Evvy, I’m so sorry, I thought I’d left all these in England. One of the children must have slipped it into the box when I wasn’t looking. I’ll pack it away, don’t worry,” and picking up a scrunched up sheet of newspaper, he began to wrap it up.

Evadne hesitated for a second, and then getting to her feet, she walked across to where Edgar was sitting. Reaching down, she took the frame from his hands, and throwing the paper aside, she set it down on top of the dresser next to the other photos.

“Personally, I think it looks pretty good just here.”

He stared up at her in disbelief. “Evvy, are you sure?”

Crouching down in front of him, so that her eyes were on a level with his, she smiled as she answered, “I’m certain.”

Edgar didn’t know what to say. Reaching out, he gently ran his hand down the side of her face. Then suddenly, he took hold of her arm and pulled her towards him, a mischievous grin lighting up his face. Evadne shrieked as she overbalanced and toppled onto the floor. Laughing, she rolled over onto her back as Edgar leant down to kiss her.

“Right, I don’t know about you, but I’ve had just about enough of unpacking for today,” he stated as he sat back up again. “How do you fancy getting changed into our swimming things and having a dip in that little lake of ours?”

Propping herself up on her elbows, Evvy grinned back up at him. “Absolutely!” and as he got to his feet, she held out her hand so that he could pull her up.

Ten minutes later they were changed and ready, and with a cry of ‘Ready, Set, Go!” from Evadne, the raced each other down the garden and jumped off the end of the jetty into the cool, blue water.

Last edited by Josie on Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:17 am; edited 1 time in total

#46: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:33 am

Lovely, thank you Jo. Glad to see somethings never change and Evvy still can't get out of bed in the mornings!

I want a lake on my doorstep!

#47: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:37 am

Thanks Jo, wonderful as ever.

#48: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:18 am

I want the house, and the lake, and I wouldn't mind having the car...

Lovely, thanks Josie!

#49: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 1:15 pm

Thanks Josie Very Happy

I hope they find millicent mary's head

#50: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 1:56 pm

oh no! Millicent Mary has lost her head!
Really glad that Evvy was so lovely about the photo of Madeleine.

thanks Jo Smile

#51: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 5:22 pm

Nice Edgar bringing breakfast in bed!!

But I thought not winding the watch was a Joey thing?

Thank you, shiny shiny Josie.

#52: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 6:58 pm

Thank you Josie, lovely post.

#53: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:12 pm

Thank you Jo!!! That was lovely!!
And Evvy was wonderful with the photo!

#54: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:21 pm

*wants an Edgar* Any chance Jo...?

Ta for the update Laughing

#55: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 4:19 am

Aaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwww!!!

#56: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 4:41 am

Thank you so much, Jo! Such a cheering drabble. Very Happy

But I hope poor Milicent Mary pulls herself together before the kids arrive..... Laughing

#57: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 5:39 am

Thank you Jo. I do like the way Evvy handled finding the photo of Madeleine. I think that will help Ned.

I, too would like the lake - and the scorching hot day to go with it!

I do hope they can sort Millicient Mary out!

#58: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 10:50 am

I'm not sure whether to hope they find MM's head or not. I guess the girls would be upset if it had disapperead altogether!

Thanks Josie

#59: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 11:21 am

Thank you Josie! This is lovely and I definitely want the car, the lake and the house........ If anyone wants to throw Edgar in too that's fine!! Laughing

#60: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 12:26 pm

Poor Millicent Mary Wink

Thanks Jo

Liz

#61: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 5:35 pm

dackel wrote:

I want the house, and the lake, and I wouldn't mind having the car...

The house actually exists in real life, backing onto Lake Geneva - it belongs to my friend's parents, and never have I had such house-envy in my life as the weekend I went to stay there!

For the next two weeks, Evadne and Edgar spent their time furnishing their house and getting it ready for the children’s arrival at the beginning of July. They were settling in well in Geneva, had got to know the neighbourhood and some of their neighbours, and were already feeling very much at home. They were particularly taken with their next door neighbour, an eccentric millionaire by the name of Anton Baertschi, who listed his job description as mime-artist and man-about-town. The Watsons had made his acquaintance several times by the end of the month, and had been introduced to his collection of rare lizards on more than one occasion, putting Evadne in mind of when Cornelia had turned up one school term with a chameleon for a pet.

Meanwhile, back in Wiltshire, Arthur, Veronica and the two girls had spent the final weeks of June making sure everything was packed and ready for them to shut up Whitlingford Hall. It was now the first Friday in July, the day they were due to set off for Switzerland. The final boxes had been dispatched earlier in the week, and yesterday Arthur had driven up to Oxford to collect Ned from school and attend his Commemoration Day. It had been Ned’s final term at his prep school, and as Arthur watched his grandson go up on stage to collect awards for outstanding contribution in both rugby and cricket, as well as an essay prize, he found himself beaming with pride.

Today, everyone had got up at the crack of dawn and spent the last two hours checking that everything was ready for them to leave. It was now eight a.m. and they were due to depart in one hour’s time. Marcia and Veronica had disappeared outside to pick some flowers for Evadne, and Ned and Arthur were doing a final check round in all the rooms of the house, making sure that all the windows were securely shut and that they hadn’t left anything behind that they might need.

Making his way into the dining room, Arthur did a quick search round for stray belongings and then pulled back the long, heavy curtains that covered the french doors. He checked that they were secure, and was about to turn back into the room when he spotted Thea sitting on the low terrace wall, staring across the gardens towards the church. She had been very quiet all morning, and as he watched her, Arthur couldn’t help noticing the sad expression that she wore on her face. Unlocking the doors again, he stepped out onto the terrace and walked over to sit down next to her.

“You okay, sweetie-pie?”

She glanced at him for a moment, and nodded her head.

Arthur had a vague idea as to what was wrong, and he studied her delicate little face closely as he spoke again. “It’s a big change leaving here, isn’t it? You looking forward to Geneva?”

She remained silent, just staring straight in front of her. As Arthur watched her, her jaw began to shake slightly, and he saw a tear escape from the corner of her eye and run down her cheek. Putting his arm around her, he pulled her towards him. “You’re not leaving here forever, sweetheart. You’ll be coming back to visit.”

Scrubbing her eyes with her sleeve, Thea sniffed and cuddled up to his side. “I know that, it’s just this is where we lived with Granny, and she’s here in the church and we’ll be so far away.” She lifted her arm to scrub her eyes again and Arthur hugged her tight.

“But she’ll be with you in Geneva too. She not just here, she’s everywhere you go.”

“But it isn’t the same.”

“I know.” Arthur dropped a kiss on the top of her head and glanced at his watch. “Look, we’ve an hour before we leave. Do you want to scoot down to the church for twenty minutes and say goodbye?” Thea nodded. “Go on then, just be back by a quarter to nine, okay?”

He watched her as she jumped down and set off across the grass at a run. Then swinging his legs back over the wall, he stood up and made his way back into the house, deep in thought.

As he walked out of the dining room, he was met in the hallway by Ned. “I think Dad forgot something!” said that young man, dissolving into a fit of giggles and holding up a small box with a large strip of hairy material nailed to the top of it and a face drawn crudely on the front.

Arthur burst out laughing as he stared at Millicent Mary’s head. “Where was that?”

“In the coat cupboard. I ‘spose he must have shoved it in there to get it out of the way the day before the wedding,” Ned laughed.

“Well I guess we’d better take that with us, or your sisters’ll be a mite upset!” Arthur replied, still chortling at the absurd vision. “Throw it in the boot, we’ll work out what to do with it when we get to the airport,” and as Ned went to do his bidding, he turned and headed into the summer room to make sure all was secure in there.

One hour later, they were finally ready to go. Thea had returned from the churchyard red-eyed and subdued, and Arthur warned the other two not to wind her up or ask her questions, an order that they thankfully obeyed. At nine o’clock on the dot, they all piled into the car, Arthur started up the engine and they drove off up the driveway, waving farewell to the house as they went. They passed through the village, Ned and Marcia calling goodbye to the shops and the church as they passed them, and fifteen minutes later, Arthur swung the car onto the Great West Road towards London, leaving Whitlingford far behind.

They arrived at Heathrow with plenty of time to get their flight. Unpacking their luggage onto a couple of trolleys, they left a car in the prearranged spot for Elsie and Paul to come and collect the next day and headed into the terminal. Before long they were checked in and ready to go through to the departure lounge. Arthur thanked the woman behind the check-in desk, and turned around to gather them all together.

“Okay, everyone check you’ve got everything, because once we go through that’s it, remember,” he said, looking around at them all. “Ned, can you give Granny a hand with those two bags? Thea be careful, sweetie, you’re dropping your coat. Where’s Marcia got to?”

At this last question they all stopped and looked around them.

“She was here a minute ago,” Ned replied, a confused look on his face. “Maybe she’s gone to the toilet?”

Arthur rolled his eyes and turned to his wife. “You go check, honey, I’ll stay with these two.”

Veronica nodded and departed, only to return five minutes later shaking her head. “No sign of her in there. I checked a couple of other rooms too, but she wasn’t in any of them.”

“Honestly, that child!” Arthur sounded somewhat irritated as he scanned the room for her. “It’s a wonder that Edgar’s not lost her completely by now, the way she wanders off!”

“He almost has a couple of times,” Ned put in with a grin.

As Arthur’s mouth tightened, Veronica hastily put a hand on his arm to calm him. “She can’t have gone far, Arthur, why don’t we split up and look for her. You two stay here with the bags,” she added, turning to Ned and Thea, “we’ll be back in a few minutes.”

They both returned twenty minutes later, empty handed and with worried looks on their faces.

“No luck?”

Arthur shook his head. “You neither, I presume?” His wife confirmed the obvious answer, and his expression became grim. “I’ll get them to put out a call and we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed,” and just as he turned back to the desk to do so, a voice sounded over the tannoy.

“Call for Mr Arthur Lannis. Please come to the TWA check-in desk immediately. I repeat, call for Mr Arthur Lannis, please come to the TWA desk.”

Arthur grimaced. “I assume that means we’ve just found her!” and looking distinctly less-than-impressed, he set off to answer the call.

A few minutes later he was back, a furious expression on his face, towing a sheepish and slightly tearful Marcia behind him.

“Now you stay with us, or I swear to God I will chain you to my arm for the rest of the trip!” he said angrily, letting go of her. Marcia hastily stood next to Thea and stared at the ground. “Heaven knows what your father’s going to say when I tell him.”

“Oh no, Grandad, you can’t tell him, please!” she pleaded, staring up at him, her big, green eyes filling with tears.

“I don’t think you have much say in the matter, do you?” Then as she looked back at her shoes again, he reached down and picked up his bags. “Thea, take your sister’s hand until we’re through and onto the plane please. Right, come along, we’d better hurry as we’re well and truly late now.” He sent the children ahead so that he and Veronica could keep and eye on them, and they all set off for the departure gate as fast as they could go.

“Where was she?” Veronica panted as she walked swiftly along next to her husband.

“Stupid child decided to climb through and see where the bags went to!” he replied, giving his wife a sideways glance. “Seems she waited ‘til everyone was busy and slipped past one of the desks. Thankfully someone down at TWA spotted her before she got too far.” He gave a slight shudder as he spoke. “She could have gotten anywhere! Imagine if we’d had to turn up in Geneva and tell my daughter and son-in-law I’d lost one of their kids!”

“At least you found her, Arthur,” she replied, with a sympathetic smile, “it could have been worse.”

“Oh I know!” he paused for a second and then gave a slight chuckle. “It’s only the kind of thing Evadne used to do, I guess. Gee, was she ever a pest at times!” and with that fond memory the subject was dropped, as they reached the gate and pulled out their boarding cards to get on the plane.

The flight passed smoothly, Marcia being thoroughly subdued by the whole affair, and the other two being somewhat overawed at seeing jolly ‘Grandpa Arthur’ quite so angry. The only minor incident occurred when Ned, thoroughly disgusted at the fact that his tea had turned yellow when powdered milk was added, buried the drink under a napkin. It therefore went unnoticed by the air hostess, and when she picked up the tray the cup tipped over and emptied its contents down the front of her crisp, clean uniform. Arthur ordered him to apologise, but she understood it had been an accident and merely brushed it off with a smile and a wave of her hand.

After that, the remainder of the flight went by in peace, and by the time they reached Geneva, Arthur had calmed down, and was laughing and joking with the three children again. They in turn were all thoroughly excited at being in their new home city, and even Thea forgot her woes long enough to smile and laugh at a few jokes. Once they were in the terminal, Arthur and Ned secured two trolleys, and they made their way through to the baggage hall to await their luggage.

Veronica was standing chatting to Thea and holding Marcia’s hand while they waited, when she heard a strange noise from behind them. She turned around just in time to see Ned racing towards them with his trolley, pretending it was a race car and he was in the lead of the Monaco Grand Prix. He wasn’t looking where he was going, and he was on a direct collision course with his youngest sister. Marcia, in turn, was busy gazing around her, clutching the flowers that she had picked for Evadne and paying no attention to what was going on. Veronica was about to call out to him when Arthur, coming back from the bathroom, caught sight of the situation and beat her to it.

“Ned! Watch out!”

At the sound of his grandfather’s voice, Ned looked up at him rather than slowing down, and the next moment he ran straight into Marcia, catching her on the arm and causing her to drop her flowers. They fell under the wheel of the trolley and were instantly decapitated, their heads squashed and their petals torn off.

Upset, her arm throbbing in pain, Marcia turned on her brother. “Now look what you’ve done you stupid pig! They were flowers for Mummy from the house and now they’re ruined! You mess up everything, Ned!” she shouted, and then promptly burst into tears.

Shocked at what he’d done and worried that he’d really hurt his sister, Ned began to apologise profusely but she refused to listen, shoving him roughly away. Veronica bent down to check the bruises on her arm and give her a cuddle, and Arthur hurried over, taking Ned by the arm and steering him away. Taking some francs out of his pocket, he put them in the boy’s hand.

“Go on through to the outside, see if there’s a stall where you can get some more flowers and redeem yourself a little. That was a damn fool thing you just did then!”

Ned didn’t need to be told twice. Thankful to get off so lightly, he turned tail and made his way out through customs as quickly as he could, leaving the others behind to comfort Marcia and keep an eye out for their bags. It was half an hour before they emerged, their bags being some of the last off the plane, and it gave Ned ample time to greet his father, locate a flower stall and be back waiting next to Edgar by the time the rest of them came through.

Edgar waved to get their attention as they appeared in the arrivals hall, and spotting her father, Marcia shrieked and ran towards him, throwing herself into his arms. Edgar picked her up and cuddled her, kissing her fair curls, and then turned to greet the others as they walked towards him at a more sedate pace. Setting his youngest daughter on the ground, he crouched down to greet Thea, kissing her cheek and giving her a hug. He couldn’t help but notice how subdued she was and he gave his father-in-law a questioning look as he stood up straight.

Arthur smiled as he shook Edgar’s hand and murmured, “Tell you later.”

Edgar nodded. The next moment, their attention switched to Marcia and Ned, as that young man tried to apologise to his sister.

“I’m sorry, squirt, I didn’t mean it!”

“Don’t call me squirt!”

“Alright, don’t get your knickers in a twist! I got you some more flowers to give to Evvy, anyway. And I am sorry.”

Marcia held out her hand, her scowl fading slightly as she took the flowers. Edgar looked down at the pair of them. “What do you say, Marcia?”

“Thank you,” she mumbled, clutching the flowers tightly, and Edgar turned back to Arthur and Veronica with a grin.

“Good flight?” he asked innocently, bending to kiss Veronica on the cheek.

Arthur laughed. “Let’s just say eventful, shall we?”

“Sounds about right,” Edgar replied, chuckling. “Come on all of you, the car’s outside. Evvy’s waiting for you all at home and she can’t wait to see you,” and reaching down to take hold of Marcia’s hand, he led the way out of the building.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:02 pm; edited 2 times in total

#62: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 5:42 pm

*chortles* Bet Arthur's relieved to be handing them over to Edgar!

Thanks Jo Kiss

#63: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 5:49 pm

I never know whether to be ready to laugh or cry. Millicent Mary's head, Marcia following the luggage, Ned with the trolley (so true to life, that!) then poor Thea missing her Grandmother and Arthur being so proud of his grandson, lovely to see him in that role.

A roller coaster of a post and thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks, Jo.

#64: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 5:52 pm

Grin!

Thank you Jo!!!
Great post! Feel VERY sorry for Arthur and Veronica!!!! Wink

#65: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 6:39 pm

Thanks Jo - loved that post!

#66: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:04 pm

It's true what they say - the best part of being a grandparent is you can hand them back! Laughing

Thanks Josie.

#67: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:25 pm

*g* at the children, the things they get up too!!!

Thanks Jo Very Happy

#68: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:46 pm

Lesley wrote:

It's true what they say - the best part of being a grandparent is you can hand them back! Laughing

Very very true!!!

#69: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:27 pm

awww what a lovely, true to life post - thank you josie

#70: Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:41 pm

[

Quote:

quote="Lesley"]It's true what they say - the best part of being a grandparent is you can hand them back! Laughing

So true, Lesley and Pat!

What a wonderful long and full post!

I agree with Patmac, too about the roller coaster ride.

I've been on the go all day, just sat down with a coffee and to quickly catch up on the Board before the evening. So many emotions (loved Thea's reluctance to go so far away her grandmother's grave, and the understanding way Arthur helped her) and exploits, a couple certainly worthy of Evadne at her best!

More soon, please!

#71: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 8:57 am

Thank you Jo. A wonderful post.

#72: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:21 am

Thanks Josie Brilliant as ever Very Happy

#73: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:05 pm

Thank you so much!!

What a typical trip-with-kids!! Laughing

#74: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:31 pm

Thanks, Jo, a lovely post! Poor Arthur and Veronica - what a time they had with those kids!

#75: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:39 pm

I shoudl think they're probably very glad to hand them back this time!

Thanks Josie

#76: Author: Josie as Guest,

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:40 pm

“Look, Thea, Ned, there it is! Isn’t that the house, Daddy?”

“Cor, look at it! Is that really it? It’s even better in real life!”

Edgar chuckled at Ned and Marcia, and glanced down to his right as he drove along the top road. “Yes, that’s it. What do you think, Thea?” he asked, noting that his elder daughter had made no comment.

“S’okay I ‘spose,” came the reply.

Edgar watched her for a moment in the rear view mirror, wondering to himself what on earth was wrong. Realising there was little he could do right now, he made up his mind to quiz Arthur as soon as he got the opportunity and returned his concentration to the road. Turning the car off to the right, he sounded a violent fantasia on the horn as began to drive down the long driveway. Almost immediately, the front door flew open and Evadne emerged, waving her arms and almost jumping up and down in her excitement, a broad grin lighting up her pretty face. Arthur laughed as he caught sight of his daughter.

“Is it just, me, or does she seem more like thirteen than thirty-four right now?” he asked his son-in law, and Edgar chuckled.

“More like about twelve, I’d say.”

“Is Mummy really thirty-four?” Marcia asked, wide-eyed.

Her brother nodded. “She doesn’t look it, does she? Not like Dad he’s thirty-seven but he looks more like he’s forty-seven, ‘specially with his grey hair!”

They all burst out laughing and Edgar glared at his son in the rear view mirror. “One more comment like that, young man, and I’m taking you back to the airport and you can find somewhere else to live!” he said threateningly. Then examining his reflection he added in an injured voice, “And anyway, what’s wrong with my grey hair? I’ll have you know your step-mother thinks it looks very distinguished!”

Ned grinned as his father pulled the car up in front of the house. “She has to say that, she’s married to you!”

“Excuse me!” Edgar exclaimed indignantly, switching off the engine and turning round in his seat. He may as well have been talking to thin air. Ned and Marcia had jumped out of the car the moment it stopped - Marcia throwing herself on her stepmother, and Ned giving her a quick hug and kiss before examining the front of the house and declaring how ‘cool’ it all was. Turning back, Edgar climbed out of the car, shut the door and bent to examine his hair in the wing mirror.

“What in God’s name are you doing?”

“Nothing!” he replied guiltily, standing up quickly and spinning around to face his wife, his neck turning pink with embarrassment.

“He’s checking his hair ‘cause I told him he looked old!” Ned put in, and Edgar grimaced at his son, the pink now turning a deeper shade and creeping up to his cheeks.

Evadne gave an incredulous laugh. “I can’t believe you rose to that!” she exclaimed, shaking her head at her husband. Then turning back to Ned, “And if you tease your father about his hair anymore, you’re getting dry bread and water for dinner! Now where’s my Thea?” she asked, looking around for that young lady, who was standing a little way away looking sullen. “Come here, sweetie, I haven’t given you a hug!”

Thea gave her a thin smile and walked over to them, putting her arms around her stepmother and holding her tight. As Evadne hugged her back, she gave her husband a quizzical look, and he shrugged his shoulders. Deciding to leave it for now, Evvy dropped a kiss on the sleek brown hair and released her.

“Okay, you three, we have a job for you straight off. You need to go and choose which bedrooms you want. You can have any except the really big one at the back with the en-suite - that one belongs to Daddy and me!” she shouted at Ned and Marcia’s backs as the two of them ran into the house as fast as they could go. Watching Thea follow in her siblings’ wake, she waited until that young lady reached the staircase, and then turned back to give her father a hug.

“Pops, it’s so good to see you! How are you, Veronica?” she asked, pecking that lady on the cheek. “Come on, let’s go through to the back and have a natter, leave the men to unpack the car,” and slipping a hand through her stepmother’s arm, she led the way into the house.

“Well she sure has the art of delegation down to a tee!” Arthur said, as his son-in-law unlocked the boot of the car. “Have you had to do all the unpacking since you’ve been here?”

Edgar chuckled. “No, we’ve done it all together. She’s even been making dinner most nights, though admittedly it’s all been cold meats and salad. I don’t think she’s quite worked the oven out yet!”

“You surprise me,” Arthur returned with a grin, pulling a case out of the boot of the car. Then noticing a small wooden box at the back, he pulled it out and held it up. “That reminds me, look what Ned found!”

Edgar burst out laughing. “Where did he find that?”

“In the coat cupboard in the hall apparently,” Arthur replied, handing over Millicent Mary’s head.

“We’ve been looking for it everywhere! I ended up making another one last night so that she wouldn’t be headless when the girls arrived.” Edgar tucked the head under his arm and picked up a second bag. “Oh well, I suppose she has a spare now!” and as Arthur laughed, he turned and made his way into the house.

It didn’t take them long to unpack the boot, most of the families’ belongings having been sent ahead in crates. Setting the last bags down in the hall, they made their way through to the back garden with the intention of collecting Veronica for a tour of the house. They had just stepped onto the veranda when the sound of shouting came floating through an open bedroom window, telling them clearly that Ned and Thea were in the middle of a stand-up row.

“It’s mine!”

“I was here first!”

“No you weren’t!”

“Was too!”

“Now what?” Edgar exclaimed, rolling his eyes, and with a quick “Back in a minute” to his guests, he made his way back inside. Reaching the top of the stairs, he easily located where the noise was coming from, and striding down the landing he flung open the bedroom door. The shouting stopped as he entered the room, and the two of them turned to look at their father’s angry face.

“What on earth’s going on? We can hear you yelling from outside!”

They both started shouting at once and Edgar had to bellow to be heard. “Shut up this instant, the pair of you!” Then as they fell silent he turned to look at Ned. “Now, do you want to tell me what this is all about?”

“He only wanted this room because I wanted it and…”

“I was talking to your brother!” Edgar said, glaring at Thea. “You’ll have your turn in a minute. Now Ned, what have you got to say?”

“We both wanted this room, but I think I should get it ‘cause I’m the eldest and it’s only fair. Plus I got here first.”

Edgar stared at him for a second and then turned to his daughter. “Thea?”

“But I’m here all the time, Daddy, so I’ll be in my room more. And Ned always gets his own way! It’s not fair!”

“So you decided to settle it by having a screaming match?” their father asked, looking from one to the other. There was no reply so he continued. “Well I suggest you find a better way to settle this, or neither of you will have the room and I’ll give it to Marcia instead!”

There was silence again for a minute, and then Thea rounded on her brother. “Fine, you can have it! I don’t care, I don’t want to be in this stupid house anyway,” and turning on her heel, she ran out of the room and into another bedroom opposite, slamming the door behind her.

Edgar followed her and opened the door to find her lying face down on the bed. “Thea, what’s going on?”

“Nothing, leave me alone!”

“Thea…”

“Go away!”

Seeing that he wasn’t going to get anywhere with her just yet, Edgar left the room, closing the door behind him, and headed back downstairs. Walking out onto the terrace, he flopped down in a chair next to his wife and looked across the table at his in-laws.

“Arthur, what’s got into Thea?”

Arthur grimaced slightly and filled Edgar in on what had happened back at Whitlingford Hall that morning, and how Thea had been so upset to leave her grandmother behind. As he finished speaking, Edgar stared at him with a stricken expression on his face.

“Damn it, I forgot all about that, I was so caught up with the wedding and everything! But that’s no excuse, I should have seen it coming. How was Ned about leaving his mother?”

Arthur gave him a sympathetic smile. “Fine as far as I can tell. He’s certainly seemed cheerful enough.”

Edgar said nothing, but looked very upset and Evadne reached over to put a hand on his arm. “Edgar don’t beat yourself up, it’s not your fault.”

“Really?”

Arthur looked from one to the other and cleared his throat. “Listen you two, I was thinking on the way over here. Have you got a photo of Amelia I could have?”

Edgar looked up in surprise. “Yes, why?”

“Well I hope you don’t think me interfering, but I may have an idea…”

A little while later, with everyone else now outside in the garden, Edgar made his way back upstairs. Tapping gently on the door, he entered the bedroom to find Thea sitting on the bed staring out of the window, and he crossed the room to sit down on the bed. She continued to stare straight ahead of her, and he put an arm on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

“I’m so sorry, darling, I didn’t think about you having to leave Granny. I should have done.”

For a moment there was no response. Then slowly she turned to face him and shook her head. “S’okay. I know I’m silly, Daddy, I’m just so sad to leave there.”

Edgar put his arms around her and gave her a hug. “You’re not silly at all – this is a big change for you.” He kissed the top of her dark brown locks. “Listen, sweetheart, will you come downstairs with me? Grandpa’s got something to show you.”

Thea gave him a reluctant look and then nodded her head. Getting to his feet, he took hold of her hand and led her downstairs. The others looked up as they came outside, but said nothing, and they quickly turned right across the terrace, making their way down the garden towards the tennis court. About half way down the wall of trees and rhododendrons that lined the path, Edgar stopped. Crouching down, he squeezed his way through a small gap, and curious as to where he was going, Thea followed behind him.

Pushing through the leaves, she found herself in a small clearing, where her father and grandfather were waiting. Arthur gave her a smile, and holding out his hand, he pulled her over to the trunk of a large tree. At the base stood a crude wooden cross with Amelia’s name burnt onto it and her photo pinned underneath.

“Thea, it isn’t quite the same, I know, but I thought you may like somewhere private to talk to your Granny.”

She stared silently down at the cross and as he watched her, Arthur saw her eyes begin to fill with tears. He gave Edgar a quick nod, and the pair of them pushed their way back through the bushes, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

“Do you think it’ll work?” Edgar asked, as they made their way back up the path towards the house.

Arthur gave him a quick glance and shrugged his shoulders. “I hope so.”

“Yes, so do I.” They reached the terrace at that moment and finding it empty, they looked at each other in surprise.

“Where did they all go?”

A sudden loud splash answered their question and Edgar grinned. “Come on, let’s go and join them.

They arrived down at the lake to find Ned in the water, having unpacked his swimming trunks almost straight away. Catching sight of his father, he swam to the shallow water and then ran towards Edgar and grabbed hold of his arm.

“Come on, Dad, in you come!” he cried as he began to drag his father towards the water.

“Ned stop it I’m…now look what you’ve done!” he exclaimed as Ned managed to get him as far as the shoreline, “I’ve got wet shoes!”

Evadne looked up and laughed. “Well take them off then, you big wimp!” she teased.

Before he could reply, they heard a terrific splash and turned to see Marcia in the water, her dress floating up around her ears.

“Marcia, what are you doing? Get out now!” Evadne exclaimed, running down the jetty towards her.

Edgar followed behind his wife, and between them they managed to pull Marcia back onto the wooden platform. “Go and change into your swimming costume, you stupid child!”

Marcia was utterly unperturbed by her parents admonishments, and simply ran off up the garden, her dress dripping as she went.

“Take that thing off before you go in the house!” Evadne yelled after her, and Veronica turned to follow her.

“I’ll go, Evvy, don’t worry.”

“Thanks Veronica.” Evadne watched her stepmother run off up the grass, and then as she turned back, she caught sight of Thea walking towards them. Her face was flushed, and her eyes looked very red. Evvy gave her a smile.

“Hey, sweetie, you coming to join us?”

Thea nodded as she reached her stepmother, and Evadne put an arm around her shoulders. Thea slipped an arm around Evvy’s waist and then smiled as her father looked over towards them. “It’s a nice house, Daddy, I think I’ll like it,” she called out.

Edgar returned her smile. “I’m glad, darling.”

“Where’s Marcia?” she asked, glancing back up at the house.

Evadne grinned and filled her in on her sister’s exploits. “Do you want to go in too?”

Thea laughed and shook her head. No thanks. Maybe tomorrow.”

“Well I’ll tell you what then. I’m about to head in and make a start on dinner – we’re having chicken and salad. I bought the chicken already cooked so it won’t take long. Want to come and help me?”

“Yes please. Can I just do one thing first?”

Evadne smiled. “Okay, catch me up.”

She began to make her way up lawn, and Thea walked over to Arthur and put her arms around his waist. “Thank you.”

Arthur returned her hug and kissed her on the forehead. “You’re welcome.”

Giving her grandfather one final squeeze, she released him and ran up the garden after Evadne, reaching her just as Marcia ran past them in the other direction, shrieking at the top of her voice, a harassed looking Veronica following in her wake. The next moment, they heard a terrific splash. Turning to look at each other, they both rolled their eyes.

“I think Marcia’s in the lake.”

Evadne nodded. “Yes,” and without another word, they continued their stroll up towards the house.

Edited at Jo's request - Gem

#77: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:43 pm

That was me Embarassed

Computer didn't log me in - stupid technology!! Evil or Very Mad

#78: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:54 pm

That was lovely Josie. and poor Thea. I hope she's happier now she has somewhere she can talk to Amelia to.

Thanks

JackieJ

#79: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:10 pm

Lovely Josie, thank you. Laughing

#80: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:12 pm

poor little thea...loving arthur here - he's so sensitive and thoughtful

#81: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:52 am

at Milicent Mary with two heads...

And Arthur is so sweet!

#82: Author: JoW, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:29 am

Really lovely. What a lovely family. I feel like I know them all so well. I'm sorry but you'll have to write about them forever.

Now - back to RL as I need to leave for work NOW

#83: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:24 am

Josie wrote:

That was me Embarassed

Computer didn't log me in - stupid technology!! Evil or Very Mad

would have been slightly worried if it had been anyone else!
Great post, thanks Jo - can just picture Marcia jumping in with all her clothes on!

#84: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 12:23 pm

I didn't for a minute think it was anyone else, Jo. No one knows this family like you do Razz

Arthur is really something, isn't he!

Poor Thea. (((hugs)))

#85: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:41 pm

Wonderful Jo!!!

They are SO real!!!

#86: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 9:43 pm

Awww!!!

#87: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 3:51 pm

“Mummy, can we have shepherd’s pie for dinner tonight?”

Evadne glanced up from her magazine in surprise. “Erm…yes, I guess we could. Wouldn’t you rather have ham and salad though? It’s a little hot for shepherd’s pie, don’t you think?”

“It’s raining!”

“Yes, I know that, but it’s really still quite warm.”

Thea gave her stepmother an incredulous look. “Well can we have something else cooked then? Please!”

“Oh yes, Mummy, can we?” Marcia put in, leaving her colouring books and coming across the room to join in the conversation. “We always have salad, it’s boring!”

Evadne looked from one to the other, slightly perturbed. “Well I’m not sure, I’ll have to see what Daddy and Ned want.”

“They won’t mind,” Thea replied with conviction. “I heard them say the other day that they wanted some real food.”

“They really said that?”

Thea nodded. “Daddy said he thought he might hire a cook soon.”

“Then you wouldn’t have to do it all, Mummy,” Marcia added, “That’d be good for you.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Evadne paused and stared out of the window for a moment, her brow knotted into a frown. Then getting to her feet, she added briskly, “Well if I’m cooking tonight then I guess we’d better go shopping. Marcia, go get your brother, will you? I’ll just go find my shoes and handbag,” and leaving them to sort themselves out, she left the room and headed upstairs to her bedroom.

Once there, she pulled a pair of shoes out of the wardrobe and sat down on the edge of the bed. Truth be told, she was a feeling a little put-out. Edgar knew she wanted to keep house herself. Why was he thinking of hiring a cook?

It was now two weeks since the children had arrived out in Geneva, and they were all settling in well in their new abode. Even Thea seemed to have accepted the situation and was now her usual happy self again. Edgar had started his new job on the first Monday in July, and was thoroughly enjoying it, despite the pressures that accompanied such a high-profile role. Evadne and the children spent the weekdays exploring their new neighbourhood and the city, or making the most of the hot weather and playing tennis or swimming in the lake. Then at weekends, the whole family would pile into the car and head further afield towards Montreux or Montigny or up into the Alps for picnics and hikes. All-in-all it was a thoroughly happy time for the Watson family.

The one bone of contention had been Evadne’s insistence on keeping house. Having seen how successfully Cornelia and Elsie ran their households, she had been determined that once married, she would manage without the help that she had been used to all her life. She had learnt a few skills at school, she reasoned with herself, and if her friends could manage then so could she. She’d forgotten, however, that Elsie had always helped out at home when she was growing up, and Cornelia had looked after her ailing father for several years after leaving school. Evadne, on the other hand, had grown up with a troupe of domestic staff - even when she lived on her own in London she’d had a housekeeper - and any skills that she had acquired at the Chalet School had long since been erased from her mind.

As a consequence, the results of her endeavours had been interesting to say the least. Edgar had lost count of the amount of new shirts he’d had to purchase, thanks to his wife leaving iron prints on the back or sleeves. The first time it had happened he hadn’t noticed and had worn the shirt to work. It had been a hot day, so he had dispensed with his suit jacket, and then wondered why people were smirking every time he passed. The whole family were beginning to find their clothes slightly stiff and itchy as she failed to rinse them through properly when doing the laundry, and her mending, though secure, was not exactly neat and tidy. But it was mealtimes with which they were finding it hardest to cope.

Although she had now been living in the house for almost six weeks, Evadne had still not managed to fathom how the oven worked. Truth be told, she was in no hurry to do so either, as she was well aware that her culinary skills were not the best in the world. As a result, they had eaten nothing but salads and sandwiches since they had moved in, and they were all craving what Ned termed ‘proper food’.

Up until now, nobody had brought any of this to her attention. Edgar could see how happy and contented she was in her new role and not wanting to spoil it for her, he had instructed the children to keep quiet for now. However, the discovery that they were yet again having ham and salad for dinner that evening had finally pushed the two girls over the edge, hence the request that they have shepherd’s pie for their evening meal.

Evadne finished pulling on her shoes and stood up. So Edgar thought he needed to hire a cook, did he? Well she would prove him wrong. She’d work out the oven and cook them all the best shepherd’s pie they’d ever eaten. Then maybe they’d appreciate her efforts a little bit more. Feeling happier again, she picked up her handbag, and swinging it over her shoulder, she left the room.

“Daaaa-ddyyy! Dinner’s ready!”

Marcia ran back into the dining room after calling her father and sat down excitedly in her seat. “I’m hungry!”

“You’re always hungry!” Ned retorted, grinning across the table at her, “you’re like a bottomless pit!”

Marcia stuck her tongue out at him as Thea came into the room behind her sister carrying a white dish. She set it down on a mat in the centre of the table, looked from one to the other and grimaced.

“What?” Ned enquired, looking a little concerned.

Checking over her shoulder, she replied in a hushed voice. “Don’t say anything when you see it, whatever you do!”

“Why?”

She opened her mouth to reply, but just then Evadne came into the room behind her carrying another dish. Thea took her seat as her stepmother placed the dish down on the table and the other two peered over to see what their sister was on about. When they saw the shepherd’s pie, Marcia’s eyes widened to their fullest extent and Ned hurriedly turned his laughter into a coughing fit. Evadne had made the mashed potato far too runny, and it was rapidly mixing together with the mince to create a somewhat alarming effect.

“Where’s your father?” Evadne asked, as the gentleman himself came into the room. "There you are! Come on, food's up."

Catching sight of their dinner, he bit his lips. “That…er…that looks lovely, darling. What is it?”

“Shepherd’s pie of course!” his wife retorted indignantly. “What does it look like?”

Edgar had no answer for that, so he sat down, shook out his napkin and put it on his lap. “Well let’s get it dished out, shall we?” and picking up the serving spoon, he began to slop a helping on to the first plate. He passed it down to Marcia, who stared at the puddle in front of her with a sceptical look.

“Are they vegetables?” she asked, looking up at the dish that Thea had brought in earlier.

“Sure are,” Evadne replied with a smile. “Peas and cabbage. And there’s gravy in that jug down there too. I’ve done the full works I’ll have you know.”

Marcia returned her smile and reached for the vegetables. Spooning some onto her plate, she passed the dish to her stepmother and then asked her brother to pass the jug. Tipping it at an angle, she waited for the gravy to pour out. Nothing happened. The mass inside the jug did not move at all. Ned choked audibly and passed her a spoon.

“Try this.”

Marcia tried to suppress her laughter as she spooned solid lumps of gravy onto her plate, but she failed miserably and Evadne looked up at her sharply. “What’s wrong?”

Marcia gave in throroughly to her giggles, her shoulders shaking as she laughed and setting Thea off as well. Ned gave his stepmother a grin, “I think the gravy’s set!”

Evadne’s face fell as she looked at the lumps on Marcia’s plate. “Well, I guess it was a bit thick, but it was okay in the kitchen.”

Seeing the look on his wife’s face, Edgar hastened to cheer her. “Well I’m sure it’ll taste just fine,” he said, heaping spoonfuls of mushy cabbage onto his plate. Then picking up his fork, he took a mouthful of the shepherd’s pie. He grimaced as he tasted it, and then seeing Evadne watching him he quickly swallowed and gave her a smile. “Mmm – it’s delicious!”

All three children followed suit, making similar encouraging remarks as they forced themselves to swallow. Evvy gave them suspicious looks and lifted a forkful to her own mouth. She instantly spat it back out onto her plate. It tasted horrible. The potato was floury and tasteless, the mince tough and chewy, and the carrots hard and underdone.

“It’s disgusting!”

“No, Evvy, it’s not, honestly,” Edgar said, shovelling another forkful into his mouth. “See, it’s fine. Come on kids, eat up.”

“Please don’t patronise me, Edgar,” Evadne retorted, glaring at him. “I’m a horrible cook, I’m not stupid - I can taste it for myself. Guess you may as well go ahead and hire a cook now.”

“What are you talking about? I…”

“Don’t lie to me!" she spat back at him, "Thea told me what you were planning to do.” Evvy was upset at her failure to cook a decent meal and what she saw as Edgar going behind her back, and her temper was coming to the fore. “I can’t believe you discussed it with the children and not me! What are you going to do next – hire a housekeeper as well?” She caught the guilty look that flashed across Edgar’s face. “Well that’s just great!”

Pushing her chair back, she stood up, picked up her plate, walked across to the wastepaper bin in the corner and tipped her food into it. Then walking back to the table, she collected Edgar’s plate and followed suit with the contents of that as well. Finally, she grabbed the dish containing the shepherd’s pie and dropped it on top, smashing it and splashing the contents all over her trousers. “There’s ham and salad in the kitchen – if you’re hungry, you can make it yourselves!” and turning on her heel, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

There was a stunned silence at the table. The children had never seen their stepmother lose her temper before, and were shocked at her outburst, and Edgar was feeling too guilty to speak. After a minute or so, Ned turned to face his father.

“Nice one, Dad, well done!”

Edgar got to his feet. “Don’t start, Ned.”

“I’m not, I’m just saying…”

“Well don’t!” and with a stern glare at his son, he left the room to go and find his wife.

Evadne was sitting on the edge of her bed, staring out of the window and trying hard not to give in to the tears that were pricking the back of her eyes. She turned her head as Edgar came into the room.

“Haven’t you got phone calls to make? Agencies to call?”

“Evvy, I’m sorry…”

“Just leave me alone, Edgar.”

“No.” Walking across to the edge of the bed, he sat down next her. “We’re not leaving this to stew, we’re going to talk about it now.”

Evadne glanced at him and then turned to stare back out of the window again. “What is there to talk about? You’ve decided your hiring a cook and a housekeeper. End of story.”

“Evvy, stop it. It’s not like that at all.”

She swung back round to face him, her hurt showing in her eyes. “You know, it’s not even the fact that my food was awful that’s upset me so much. It’s the fact that you went behind my back, especially as you know how important it was to me to do things myself. Why did you do it? Why did you talk to the kids instead of me? I thought we’d been through all this when we got engaged – we’re supposed to make decisions together. Clearly you’ve forgotten all that.”

Edgar sighed and stared back at her, holding her gaze. “I’ve not forgotten anything of the sort,” he replied, sounding a little injured at her accusation. “Look, I’m sorry you had to find out via the kids, but I didn’t discuss anything with them. Ned simply asked me one day if I was planning to hire a cook, and I said I was thinking about it. I had no idea that Thea had overheard, and I would never have gone ahead and done anything without discussing it with you first.”

“But why did you want to do it at all?”

Edgar took a deep breath and decided to be completely honest. “Evvy, I love you, but darling, you are a terrible housekeeper and a terrible cook. I’ve had to buy countless new shirts because you’ve burnt all mine with the iron, some of the children’s clothes are looking more like patchwork quilts, and we’ve eaten nothing but cold meals since you and I moved here six weeks ago.” He could see tears starting to appear in her eyes and he put an arm around her shoulders. “You don’t have to do all this yourself, sweetheart, we can afford the help.”

Evadne sniffed and stared down at her hands. “I know that, Edgar, but you don’t understand, I wanted to do it myself.” She lifted a hand to impatiently wipe her eyes. “I wanted to prove I could keep house, but all I’ve proved is how totally useless I am.”

“Evvy, we don’t care if you can cook or do the ironing.”

“I care, Edgar. I’m supposed to be able to look after you all. Everyone else can do this stuff, why can’t I?”

Putting his other arm around her, Edgar pulled her towards him and into a hug. “Come here, you silly old thing. Looking after us isn’t all about domestic chores you know. It’s about picking us up when we’re feeling down, taking the pain away when we’re hurting, making us laugh, letting us know you’re always there for us, that kind of thing – that’s the important stuff. And I’ll have you know that you do all of those things wonderfully well. You couldn’t look after us any better, in fact.” He kissed her fair curls and gently stroked her back as she leant against his shoulder. “I didn’t marry you for your housekeeping skills, darling, I married you inspite of them!”

Despite herself, Evadne laughed. “I’m sorry I ruined all your shirts, baby,” she said, putting her hand on his knee.

Edgar chuckled. “That’s okay. It’s been quite a treat buying myself a whole new wardrobe.”

Sitting up straight, Evadne scrubbed her eyes with her sleeve and smiled. “It did taste like dog food, didn’t it?”

“That’s what it was!” Edgar exclaimed, a twinkle in his eye. “I knew it reminded me of something, I just couldn’t put my finger on it!” As his wife laughed again, he reached out and took her hand. “So does this mean we can get you some help?”

She nodded. “Sure, go ahead. It’s probably for the best, before I poison you all and have you dressed in rags.”

“Jolly good. And how about you do the hiring, not me, then you can choose whoever you like. I’ll leave it up to you how you go about it, shall I?”

“Sounds good.” Getting to her feet, she held out a hand to pull her husband up from the bed. “I guess you must all be hungry then, seeing as I put your dinner in the trash. Ham salad okay?

Edgar laughed. “Ham salad sounds perfect. It must be at least three days since we’ve had that!” and as she uttered an indignant “Watch it!” and hit him on the chest, he put an arm around her shoulders and led her back downstairs.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Apr 27, 2005 6:45 pm; edited 3 times in total

#88: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 4:08 pm

Awww, glad they resolved it. But I have to give kudos to Evvy for not setting anything on fire whilst making the shepherd's pie (unlike certain of my flatmates who think it is necessary to give the fire alarm an annual testing Rolling Eyes

). Thanks Jo Very Happy

#89: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 4:11 pm

Poor Evvy! Not to mention the rest of them. She's never learned like most girls do by helping her mother.

Perhaps she will choose someone who will be willing to teach her to cook?

Thank you Jo. It's great that you are managing to keep posting at the rate you are.

#90: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 5:09 pm

Awww, poor Evvy - but even worse - poor Edgar and the kids!!! Laughing

Thanks Jo.

#91: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 6:21 pm

*g* at the food exploits, but poor Evvy, Im glad they worked it out though Very Happy

Thanks Jo

#92: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:06 pm

I SO sympathise with Evvy! I can normally cook but this week I have ruined toad in the hole and pasta sauce! HOW???? I think its cos I yibble away to mum while i'm cooking and then its suddenly burnt!
Loving the story still Very Happy

#93: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:59 pm

Just read all of this Josie and it's just as good as previous epics Very Happy

#94: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 8:23 pm

I've been catching up with all this, Josie, and I'm loving it.

Smile

Edgar and Evvy are so sweet together. Smile

#95: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 8:27 pm

bless them...although i seem to remember Evvy being quite good at silver polishing - maybe she can help that way!

#96: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:27 pm

Poor Evvy! Maybe she can find somebody to teach her housekeeping and cooking? Or let's hope for all their sakes that she finds a friendly cook!

#97: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:35 pm

Grin!

Poor Evvy!!!

#98: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 3:46 am

I can't believe she is trying to refuse having a cook and domestic help.

Despite the fact that I am actually quite handy there is NO WAY that I would say no to Staff!!!!!

Guess it's true what they say about the rich being different!

Very real feeling fight though. Glad they made up.

#99: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:54 am

Thank you Jo.

Poor Evvy...and poor Edgar and the children!

#100: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 9:14 am

euwww - I can so taste that shepherd's pie!
Glad they've sorted it out though!

#101: Author: Jodi, Location: Glasgow most of the time

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:57 am

i have just laughed a lot at all this - missed it until now! The lack of MM's head was hysterical...and I love the way she can't cook but wanted to do it herself - so real.

#102: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 11:41 am

patmac wrote:

Poor Evvy! Not to mention the rest of them. She's never learned like most girls do by helping her mother.

Perhaps she will choose someone who will be willing to teach her to cook?

Perhaps Evvy will find the Swiss, 35-40 years later, equivalent of Miss de Lisle and Allenby? I do hope so!!!

(Miss de L was the "cook-lady" and Allenby the butler at Homewood in Mary Grant Bruce's Captain Jim)

#103: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:44 pm

I'm sure that Joeys Anna will have a long lost cousin for Evvy

#104: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:06 pm

A few days later, Evadne engaged a local lady, one Signora Berardi, as their cook, and from the time she arrived on the scene, the family were treated to a myriad of Swiss and Italian meals of the highest standard. In keeping with her Italian roots, she was demonstrative, passionate about her food and a great deal of fun and once they learnt to keep out from under her feet, the children soon came to adore her. She in turn slipped them all little treats here and there, and returned their affection with interest, instructing them all to call her ‘Zia Guilia’. It didn’t take Evadne and Edgar long to work out that if any or all of their children were unaccounted for, they could more often than not be tracked down to the kitchen.

In addition, Evadne hired another local, Frau Siefert, in the position of housekeeper, and the daughter of a friend of Frau Siefert’s, one Ingrid Besse, as a cleaner-come-maid. So with Evvy no longer keeping house, the rest of July and August passed by in relative peace.

It was now the first Thursday in September and this afternoon, Ned was due to return to England for his first term at Harrow. Evadne was taking him to the airport, as Edgar had to stay home and work, and he would be met at Heathrow by David Pepperell, Harry’s father. Harry was starting at the new school along with his friend and the Pepperells would drive both boys there the next day.

The Watsons' home was a frenzy of activity. Ned had not bothered to start packing until this morning, and he and his stepmother were now running around frantically trying to gather together his belongings while Guilia made him some snacks to take on the flight. Witnessing the last minute panic that seemed to have set in, Thea and Marcia decided they were best off out of the way and retreated to the tennis court to practise their forehands.

Coming out of his study in search of a cup of tea, Edgar met his wife in the hall, her arms full of Ned’s clothing that she had just retrieved from the laundry.

“How’s it going?” he asked, bending to pick up a couple of socks that she had shed from the pile. “Having fun?”

Evadne pulled a face. “If he pulls this stunt next term, remind me to wring his neck! I just know we’re going to forget something, and then his Matron will berate me for being a bad mother!”

Edgar grinned. “I gather your Matron at school was similar ours then?” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “I think they must be the same the world over! Do you need a hand?” he enquired, as a pair of shorts dislodged themselves from the top of the heap and fell to the floor.

She shook her head. “No thanks. I think I’m pretty much balanced now and we’ve not much more to get done.”

“Okay, well holler if you change your mind. Where are the girls?”

“Outside, playing tennis.”

“Jolly good.” Edgar bent down to retrieve the shorts, placing them and the socks back on top of the pile. “I’m just going to grab a cup of tea. Can I make you one?”

“Oh you’re an absolute gem – yes please! Just leave it on the dresser there when it’s done. I’ll be down in a few minutes,” and turning, she continued her journey across the hall, shedding yet more items in her wake.

Edgar picked up all the stray clothes, hanging them over the end of the banisters, and then made his way through to the kitchen, a wide grin on his face.

Ten minutes later, he was back in his study, outlining a report that he had to write on international farming regulations, when he was interrupted by the shrill ringing of the telephone. Heaving a sigh, he put down his pen and picked up the receiver.

Upstairs, Evadne laid the clothes down on Ned’s bed and then went off to collect the things she had dropped and to check for anything else he may have left lying around. When she returned twenty minutes later, her cup of tea in hand, she found Ned crouched down, rifling through his wardrobe and scattering the contents all around him.

“I hope you intend to put all that stuff away again when you’re done? What are you looking for?”

“My rugger boots,” came the muffled reply, followed by a cry of “Ow!” as he banged his head on a shelf.

Evadne rolled her eyes. “They’re down in the back porch.”

Ned withdrew from the bottom of the wardrobe and stood up, rubbing his head. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“Because you didn’t ask! It’s not up to me to remember where you’ve left all your belongings, anyhow.”

Ned muttered something unintelligible and stropped out of the room to find them, and Evadne turned her attention back to the pile of clothes on the bed. Picking up a pair of pyjama bottoms, she folded them up and was just about to put them into Ned’s trunk when something caught her eye. On the very top of the layers of clothes, books and other belongings, Ned had put three framed photographs. Two were old ones of his mother and of the three children with Amelia that he’d had since he’d started prep school. The third frame now contained a new picture – one of his family, taken a month ago in the garden of their new home. Evadne felt her eyes welling up as she looked at it. She’d still been a little unsure as to how much Ned considered her a true part of his family, but finding this photograph finally put to rest all her doubts.

Hearing his footsteps coming back up the stairs, she hurriedly returned the frame to the trunk and placed the pyjama bottoms on top of it. She had just picked up his pyjama top when he came back into the room.

“Found them!” he stated, waving his boots in the air. “Dad’s yelling for you, by the way. I’ll finish doing that if you like,” he added, taking the top out of her hands.

Evadne stared at him for a second, and then impulsively kissed him on the cheek.

“What’s that for?” Ned exclaimed, an incredulous look on his face.

“No reason,” she replied, smiling as she left the room.

Ned watched her go. “Positively barking!” he muttered to himself, turning back to the bed and tipping his clothes haphazardly into his trunk.

“Evvy!”

Evadne appeared at the top of the stairs and hung over banisters, looking down at her husband. “What?”

“Can you come down? I need to talk to you.”

“Can’t it wait two minutes?”

“Not really, no,” Edgar replied impatiently. “Ned can finish his own packing anyway – serves him right for leaving it so late.”

Evvy raised her eyebrows and made her way down the stairs. “What’s so urgent?”

Taking hold of her elbow, Edgar steered her towards his study, waiting until they were inside and the door was shut before replying. “I’ve just had a call from Miss McReadie,” he said, making his way round his desk and sitting down in his chair.

“How is she? All ready to join us?” Miss McReadie was due to arrive on Saturday, ready to start the girls’ lessons the following week.

Edgar heaved a rather dramatic sigh. “No, not quite. In fact, she’s not coming at all!”

“Whyever not?” came the shocked reply, as Evadne pulled a chair up to the desk and sat down opposite her husband.

“Well, her sister died a few days ago – quite suddenly from a heart attack – and so she’s got to stay in Scotland to look after her mother. The old girl’s coming on for eighty and rather frail, so she can’t manage on her own.”

“Oh how horrible – about her sister, I mean! Is there anything we can do to help?”

Edgar shook his head. “She says not, but she’s promised to call if anything crops up. We’ll have to get a condolence card and arrange for some flowers to be delivered.”

“Of course. The poor things, they must be devastated.” Evadne looked thoroughly upset by the whole affair. Then a sudden thought occurred to her. “Oh, but if she’s not coming, what’re we going to do about the girls?”

“Well, I’m not entirely sure yet, but I’ve made a couple of calls…”

“We could send them to school!”

Edgar gave her an amused look. “As I was just about to say,” he continued pointedly, “I’ve made a few calls and it appears we can get them into an English school attached to the U.N. Personally, I’d have preferred the Ecole Internationale, but Thea’s year group’s full up there so we’ll have to go with the other one. What do you think? They’ve missed the first couple of weeks of course, but that’s not the end of the world.”

“Sounds good to me. There’s no way I’m teaching them myself!” she replied, looking horrified at the thought.

“Yes, I rather thought you might say that,” her husband replied with a grin. Then a worried look crossed his face. “I suppose they’ll be alright at school? They’ve never been before – what if they hate it?”

Evadne gave him a sympathetic smile. “Edgar, they’ll be fine, I’m sure. It’s about time they went to school, anyhow – you knew they’d have to go eventually. And it’s probably the best way for them to make friends out here too, which won’t be a bad thing. They need some playmates apart from just each other, you know.”

“I know, it’s just…oh never mind, I’m being a fool.” Sitting up, he reached for the telephone. “Well I suppose that’s settled then. I’ll call the school back and make arrangements for them to start Monday, and then I’d better break the news to them” He picked up the receiver and heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness that was so easily sorted. I had visions of me getting no work done today! Do you want to be here when I tell them?”

Evadne shook her head as she got to her feet. “No, you go ahead. I’d better go make sure Ned’ll actually be ready to leave some time today! We have to go the minute lunch is over,” and so saying, she turned and left the study.

By half-past one, lunch was over and Ned was finally ready to go. He said his goodbyes all round, and then climbed into the car and they set off up the drive. Edgar grimaced as his wife ground the gears, giving thanks that she was at least driving her own car. Justifiably anxious as to what she might do to his prized Mercedes, he had refused to let her behind the wheel. Instead, he had bought her a small Renault, on the basis that it was cheap so it didn’t matter too much what she did to it.

“Daddy, can we take Millicent Mary outside?”

Spinning around, he gave Thea a smile. “Yes, if you like. Just take her out through the front door and round via the gate will you. I don’t want her being dragged through the salon and all our belongings getting knocked over like last time,” he added, directing a meaningful look at Marcia.

She didn’t appear to be unduly perturbed at his remark. Both girls were in a high state of excitement, having found out that they would be starting school on Monday, and there was very little that could dampen their spirits. Edgar helped negotiated Millicent Mary out through the front door, and then still having a great deal of work to do, he left them to it and returned to his study.

The two of them dragged their ‘dog’ across the forecourt, through the gate, and down the path that ran along the side of the house. When they finally reached the terrace, they stopped and looked at each other.

“So what’s your great idea then?” Thea asked her sister, and Marcia grinned.

“We can ride her down the hill – see how far we go!” she replied, pointing down the sloping garden towards the lake. “I’ll go first, and then you can go next.”

Thea turned her gaze in the direction Marcia was pointing. “D’you think it’s safe?” she asked pensively.

Her sister gave a snort and began to tow Millicent Mary to the edge of the terrace. “Of course it is! Anyway, you don’t have to go if you’re a scaredy-cat!” she retorted, wheeling her pet onto the lawn and then pulling over a chair so that she could climb onto its back.

“I was only asking - I never said I wasn’t going to go!” Thea walked across to where Marcia was now sitting astride her mount, ready to set off. “I bet you don’t reach the big tree.”

“Bet I do! Bet I get all the way to the bushes at the bottom!”

“Well what do you bet then?”

There was silence for a minute as Marcia thought about this. “If I win you have to give me your yellow top…”

“That’s my favourite!”

“…and if you win, you can have my pink hat.”

As the hat was an item of clothing much coveted by young Thea, she stopped protesting about the possible loss of her top and grinned at her sister. “Alright, it’s a bet. We have to shake though”

Marcia reached down to shake her sister’s hand. “Okay, we’re all shook. Give me a push will you?”

Thea moved the chair back out of the way and then obligingly gave Millicent Mary an almighty shove. With a shriek of laughter from Marcia, the ‘dog’ began to move forward, slowly gaining momentum as it rolled across the grass. Giggling, Thea watched her sister go, waiting for the dog to come to a stop. Instead of doing so, however, it started to get faster and faster. Suddenly realising what was happening, Thea began to run down the lawn, shouting at Marcia to slow down. At the same time, Marcia realised that she was going far too fast, and not having any way to obey her sister’s command, she panicked and began to scream, holding on to Millicent Mary’s head for dear life. Their yells got louder and louder as she cannoned towards the lake, heading straight for the gap in the rhododendron bushes.

In his study, Edgar heard the din they were making and putting down the papers he was reading, he pushed back his chair and made his way outside to see what was going on. He arrived on the terrace just in time to see Millicent Mary reach the edge of the water and tip over, sending his youngest daughter flying in a graceful arc through the air. As she landed in the shallow water with a wild shriek, he set off down the garden at a run.

When he reached the lake, Thea was crouching down over her younger sister, trying to get her to sit up. Ordering her back onto the grass, he hurried across to Marcia and bent down next to her. The little girl was clutching her left arm, tears streaming down her face which was screwed up with pain. Her face lay half under the water and she was gulping it in as she choked on her sobs. Edgar quickly slipped his arm underneath her, pulling her upright and causing her to cry out. He was absolutely furious with them both, but seeing how much she was hurting, he tried hard to keep calm.

“My…my arm…hurts,” she managed to gulp out through her tears.

Moving her other hand out of the way, Edgar went to lift it up to see what was wrong, but she gave a cry of pain so he gently let it drop again.

“Daddy, is she alright?” He turned around to look at Thea, who was standing on the shoreline, a terrified expression on her face.

“She’s hurt her arm,” he said shortly, turning back to Marcia and lifting her gently into his arms. “We’ll have to go to the hospital.” Standing up, he gave his eldest daughter an angry look as they began to walk back up the garden. “What on earth were you doing?”

“We…um,” Thea’s voice faltered under her father’s glare. “We were trying to see how far we could ride Millicent Mary,” she mumbled, looking down at her shoes.

“You what? How stupid can the pair of you be?” he exclaimed. “Marcia could have drowned just then. What were you thinking?”

“Don’t know,” Thea stared up at her father, tears forming in her eyes. “Sorry, Daddy.”

“Well it’s a bit late for sorry now, isn’t it? I expect this sort of thing from Marcia but not you, Thea.” Tears started to run down his daughters face as she realised the magnitude of what they had done, and Edgar decided he had said enough. “Go on, go and get a dry skirt on, quickly. We need to go now,” and thankful to get away, she ran in through the french doors, scrubbing furiously at her eyes.

Arriving back from the airport two hours later, Evadne was shocked to find the house so quiet. She was about to go and see if they were all in the garden when she spotted a note on the dresser. Picking it up, she gave an exclamation as she read it through quickly and then grabbed her bag to make her way out again with the intention of going straight to the hospital. At that moment, a car door slammed outside, and hurrying to the front door, she opened it to see her husband lifting a drowsy Marcia up in his arms, a shining white cast on her left arm.

“Is she okay?”

Edgar nodded as he walked towards her. “Nothing that won’t mend, thank goodness, just a broken arm.” He entered the hall, followed by a very subdued looking Thea. “She’s going to be in pain for a bit though. Did Ned get off okay?”

“Yes, fine. What happened?”

“I’ll tell you in a minute. I’m just going to pop her into bed – she’s a bit drowsy from the painkillers,” and striding across the entrance hall, he made his way up the stairs. “Thea, you can go to your room 'til dinner.”

Thea followed him up the stairs, her feet dragging and her head hanging low. Evadne turned to put her bag back down on the dresser and suddenly noticed that Millicent Mary was missing. What on earth had been happening?

When Edgar finally came back downstairs, he found his wife stood down by the lake, trying to pull Millicent Mary out of the water. He gave her a hand to drag the ‘dog’ back onto the bank, and then straightened up as she turned to face him.

“Edgar, what’s been going on?”

He filled her in on what his two daughters had been up to, and as he repeated the story, the realisation of what could so-easily have happened began to set in. “What if she’d landed on her head? She could have been killed, Evvy,” he said, looking extremely shaken.

Seeing how upset he was, Evadne slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. “She wasn’t though, Edgar. She’s going to be okay.”

He stroked her hair and took a deep breath before replying. “I know, thank God. I’m not risking it happening again though. I’m sorry, but that dog has to go!”

Pulling back, Evadne looked up at him. “Oh Edgar, must you? They’ll be terribly upset.”

“Well it serves them right!”

She glanced over to where Millicent Mary now stood, looking bedraggled and forlorn. “Can’t you just take the wheels off? That way she’ll have to stay in the hallway or be carried out, and they won’t be able to do stupid things like ride her again.” Turning back to her husband, she gazed up at him with pleading eyes. “Go on, please!”

Despite himself, Edgar couldn’t help chuckling. “Why are you so keen to keep her anyway?”

Evadne shrugged. “I dunno, she’s like part of the family, I guess. It’d be a shame to lose her.”

Edgar looked over at the ‘dog’ and rolled his eyes. “Fine, we can keep her. She does appear to have lost her head, though!” he added in an amused tone, turning to look out over the lake. He spotted the small crate, bobbing up and down on the surface some fifty metres or so offshore. “Yes, there it is, floating merrily away.”

Evadne laughed. “Well it’s a good job we have a spare then!” she replied, walking over to Millicent Mary. “Come on - let’s get her back up to the house.”

Last edited by Josie on Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:06 pm; edited 6 times in total

#105: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:16 pm

Thanks Josie - might have guessed they's end up in the water at some point!

Love the scene where Evvy discovers the photo, love the fact that Evvy's got her own car so she won't drive the Merc, love Evvy persuading edgar to keep Millicent Mary!!! Laughing

Poor Thea and Marcia. Crying or Very sad

#106: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:29 pm

What a wonderfully long post, Josie, thank you.

And there couldn't be a better description of family life with all its ups and downs. Fantastic!! Very Happy

#107: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:31 pm

Wonderful, Josie! Love the way they're more of a family than ever.

And might have known MM's spare head would come in handy. Laughing

#108: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 4:17 pm

Thank you Josie! I'm loving this picture of family life! Poor Millicent Mary! and poor girls! Bet they get sent to school now! Why not the CS??????????

#109: Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 5:05 pm

Thanks Josie, this is fantastic at usual

Can't help thinking that Thea and Marcia - not to mention Evvy would like a real dog to look after!!

#110: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 6:51 pm

*giggles*

What are they LIKE??? Wink

#111: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:23 am

What a wonderfully massively long post, Josie! Thank you so much!!

I suppose Thea and Marcia are too young to board as yet, as Ned is the eldest and just going to Harrow...which is why no CS as yet...?

#112: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:52 am

Lovely picture of family life. Thank you Josie.

#113: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 8:20 pm

Josie wrote:

"I’m sorry, but that dog has to go!”

Just as though Millicent Mary was to blame! I love the fact that he thinks of her as a dog at a time like that!

#114: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 9:17 pm

Just brilliant!

I do love your writing Josie
Mexican Wave

#115: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:26 pm

All brilliant Jo! Kiss

Liz

#116: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:59 pm

Brilliant Jo - thanks! Very Happy

Poor Marcia - and hope that Edgar talks to Thea soon Sad

#117: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:40 am

Fab, thanks Jo! Kiss

Poor Millicent Mary!

#118: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 5:34 pm

Love the fact the spare head is coming in useful after all!

#119: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:04 pm

Katarzyna wrote:

Can't help thinking that Thea and Marcia - not to mention Evvy would like a real dog to look after!!

They will have soon - he was mentioned at the end of Second Chance. Very Happy

Sophoife wrote:

I suppose Thea and Marcia are too young to board as yet, as Ned is the eldest and just going to Harrow...which is why no CS as yet...?

Yep, that's right. They do go to the CS, but not til the Autumn of 1956 (it's currently 1954) - EBD's timing, not mine. Evvy talks about it in Reunion

“Here Ned, look at this!”

Ned was brought back down to earth by Harry’s voice, and drew his gaze away from the noticeboard to look across to where his friend was standing further along the corridor, beckoning him over.

“Did you know Lasker and Burgess were coming into this house too?”

“Yeah, I heard from Dan over the summer.” Harry replied staring back up at the wall above him. “Never mind that now though, come here!”

Ned tore himself away from the list of new boys that he had been staring at, and walked across to where Harry was standing. Following his gaze, he noticed that there were signatures carved into the wooden surrounds of the noticeboards. Looking around him he noticed it was the same all up and down the corridor.

“Wonder what that’s all about?”

“’Spose it must be a tradition or something,” Harry said, grabbing his friend’s arm. “Look!”

Ned stared up at the name at which he was pointing. “What’s so special about that?”

“It’s Terence Rattigan - the playwright!” he added, seeing the look of incomprehension on Ned’s face. “Don’t you know anything?”

Ned shrugged. “Not about playwrights, no - unless you count Shakespeare. Do you know who that is?” he asked pointing at another name.

“No, should I?”

"He’s Guy Butler – won medals in the Olympics in the ‘20’s. So see, you don’t know everything either! And I bet you didn’t know our Housemaster played rugger for Scotland?”

“Did too, was in the prospectus,” Harry replied, pulling a face at his friend.

Before Ned could retort, he heard a familiar name being called. “Edgar Watson? Which of you’s Edgar Watson?”

“Why are they calling my Dad?” Ned asked Harry, puzzled, and Harry gave him an incredulous look.

“They’re calling you, idiot! Isn’t your real name Edgar?”

“Oh yeah, forgot!” Ned muttered, turning bright red.

“He’s over here!” Harry yelled out, and the boy who had been calling Ned’s name looked around and walked over to them.

“You Edgar Watson?” Ned nodded, and the newcomer held out his hand. “Jonny Weare. I’m in Remove – second year,” he explained, “and I’m your Shepherd. That means I show you around today and then you can hunt me out and ask me any questions you’ve got for the first couple of weeks of term. Here’s your bill.” He handed Ned the small blue book that contained all the vital information regarding the school, the school calendar, sport fixtures and such like.

“Thanks.”

“Guard it with your life, whatever you do. Putter’ll eat you if you have to ask for another.”

“Who’s Putter?”

“The house tutor, Dr. Putt. You’ll meet him later. Who’re you?” Weare asked, turning to Harry.

“Harry Pepperell.”

Weare pulled a list out of his pocket and skimmed it quickly. “Ah yes, Livingstone’s your Shepherd. I’ve seen him around – he’ll be down in a minute or two. Come on then, we’d better get off,” he said, turning back to Ned.

With a quick ‘see you later’ to his friend, Ned followed Weare back down the corridor to the main entrance hall. “Why are all these names carved on the wall?” he asked as they walked briskly along.

“It’s a Park tradition,” Weare replied, referring to The Park, Ned and Harry’s house for their time at Harrow. “Everyone who ever boarded here has carved their name up there. You new lot in Shell – that’s the first year - will be doing it tomorrow.”

Ned glanced around him. “My Dad must be up there somewhere then.”

“Was your Dad a Park man? What was his name?”

“Edgar Watson, same as mine. Though everyone calls me Ned, not Edgar. D’you think they’ll do that here?”

Weare nodded. “Should think so. My real name’s Jonathan, but none of the beaks ever call me anything but Jonny or Weare. They’ll probably just call you Watson to be honest.”

“Beaks are the masters, right?” Ned asked, trying hard to remember some of the Harrow slang that his father had taught him over the summer.

“That’s right. They’re pretty cool on the whole, as long as you watch your step and work hard. Now,” Weare stopped at the foot of the stairs and looked at his charge. “Have you seen your study?”

“Yes, they took us straight up there when we got here,” Ned replied. All first year boys at Harrow shared a study with one other boy for the first two years before getting their own room. “I’m in with Harry. We’ve unpacked already.”

“Excellent. Well I suppose I’d better give you a quick tour then.”

At that moment two older boys came walking down the stairs towards them and stopped to talk to Weare. “Good hols, Jonny?” asked the shorter, stockier one. “Hope you got plenty of practise in. First match is a week tomorrow.”

Weare nodded. “Yes thanks, and I got a bit in with my little brother. Tim, this is Ned Watson,” he said, indicating Ned who was standing shyly at his side. “Ned, this is Tim Bennett, the school Games Monitor, and Guy Rabbetts, our House Monitor. Dick Callister is Head Boy, but he’s in Druries, another house.”

“Welcome to The Park,” Rabbetts replied, smiling and holding out his hand. “Hope you enjoy it here. It’s a jolly good house to be in, though I say so myself.”

Ned returned his smile. “Thanks.”

Bennett, meanwhile, was watching him with a furrowed brow. “Watson, Watson…you any relation to Edgar Watson?”

“Yes, he’s my Dad,” Ned replied, curious as to why this boy was talking about his father.

“Don’t suppose you’ve inherited his sporting talents have you?” Bennett asked with a grin. “He’s quite the school legend you know!”

“Is he?” Then remembering he’d been asked a question, Ned added, “Well I’m not bad, I suppose - I was rugby and cricket captain at my prep school. Don’t really play much else though.”

“Excellent! Well, try-outs are on Monday after school. See you there!” and the two prefects continued their way down across the hall.

Weare gave Ned a wide grin. “Brilliant – we could do with another rugger player in the house. What position do you play?”

“Scrum-half.”

“Even better! Our one left last year, so we’ll be looking for a replacement for Torpids. That’s our house team.”

“Aren’t I too young though?”

Weare shook his head. “Not at all. I got in last year, so did Wooller, another boy in my year. Bennett must think you’ll be good if he’s personally asked you to try out. He’s head of The Phil, who are our top athletes, and he’s only interested in the very best.” He checked his watch and then began walking up the stairs. “Come on, we’d better get a shove on if we want to finish this tour before supper.”

The remainder of the afternoon passed by in a blur for Ned. Unaccustomed words such as Tosh (bathrooms), Ducker (swimming pool) and Yarder (recreation ground) were ringing in his ears, and he thought he would never be able to remember his way around the warren-like corridors of The Park. He had been introduced to several people, none of whose names he could remember, and had already been given a short shrift by Matron Jones for having creased shirts – the result of him having packed the last few things in his trunk any-old-how when his stepmother wasn’t looking.

It was evening before he properly caught up with Harry again, having found himself at the opposite end of the table at dinner, sitting with Weare on one side and James Emery, another new boy, on the other. So it was with some relief, when Weare finally released him, that he made his way back to his study and flopped down onto his bed. Harry was already there, and looked over at him with a grin.

“You look just how I feel! I swear I’m never going to be able to remember anything!”

Ned turned onto his side so that he faced his friend. “Tell me about it! My head’s a complete jumble. Weare seems cool though,” he added as an afterthought, “and they’ve asked me to try out for the house rugger team. How was Livingstone?”

“Seems okay – bit stuffy, but nice enough,” Harry replied. “So d’you reckon we’ll like it here?”

Ned grinned. “Absolutely! Now,” he said firmly, sitting up, “I’m going to get changed and into bed. I’m worn to a frazzle!”

“Good idea, it’ll be ‘flicks’ soon anyway.”

“It’ll be what?”

“Flicks – light’s out!”

“I told you!” Ned groaned, “I’m never going to remember this stuff!” and as Harry laughed, he heaved himself up off his bed and made his way to the small sink to clean his teeth.

==

“Marcia, this is Ann Bown, she’ll look after you for your first few days, okay?”

Marcia nodded up at Miss Vallance, her new teacher, and then as that lady left she turned to face Ann with a grin. “Hello!”

Ann returned her smile. “Hello! What did you do to your arm?” she asked bluntly, staring at Marcia’s cast.

“I was riding my dog and I fell off.” Ignoring the confused expression on Ann’s face, she looked around her and heaved a sigh. “It’s funny being in a new school, isn’t it?”

“Dunno, never been anywhere else,” Ann replied shaking her head. “Where were you before?”

“I’ve never been to school before.”

“Really?”

Marcia nodded. “My Granny used to teach my sister and me at home, and then when she died we had a governess called Miss McReadie. She was ‘sposed to come here when we moved but she couldn’t ‘cause her sister died, so now we have to go to school instead.” She paused for a second to take a breath and look around her again. “Looks like fun though – I’ve always wanted to come to school.”

“It is fun, you’ll like it! Can I sign your cast?” Ann asked, staring at the white plaster which had already been signed by Marcia’s family and Guilia at home.

“Ooo – yes please. I want to get as many as I can.”

Ann grinned. “Come and meet the others then. They’ll all sign it too!” and taking her new friend's arm, she towed her as fast as she could across the playground towards the rest of her gang, before the bell rang for assembly.

==

“So do we have the same teacher for all our lessons?”

Franny Harford turned around to look at her charge in amazement. “Yes, of course. Didn’t you at your last school?”

Thea shook her head. “I’ve never been to school before. We had Granny teach us, and then a governess. I don’t really know how schools work.”

Franny stared at her for a second and then pulled a face. “Weird!” Truth be told, Franny was none-too-bright and did not much care for school, and she was starting to find Thea’s questions irritating. “Come on, we’d better get back to class – the bell’s already gone. And you might want to answer less questions for the rest of the day if you want to fit in,” and with a sweep of her auburn hair, she set off down the corridor, leaving Thea to follow in her wake.

In contrast to her sister, who was taking to her new school like a duck to water, Thea had found the first part of the morning rather strange. She was a very bright girl and Amelia had always taught her to learn by asking and answering questions. Miss McReadie’s methods had been much the same. However after the first few times she had put her hand up this morning in response to her new teacher’s questions, she could have sworn that Miss Langdon had started to ignore her, only asking her if absolutely nobody else knew. Franny’s words had just confirmed her suspicions. Obviously they did things differently here. She made up her mind to do her best from now on to ‘fit in’ as Franny had put it.

She managed well enough for the first twenty minutes, only putting her hand up once in response to a query. But then Miss Langdon began to talk about the book they were about to start reading.

“This term’s book will be The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. You should all have a copy – I gave them out last Friday. What is it, Thea?” she said, sounding slightly fed up as Thea put her hand in the air.

“Um…I don’t have one, Miss Langdon. I wasn’t here last Friday.”

Miss Langdon sighed. “Well I don’t have a spare copy on me, you’ll just have to share with Franny for today. Now,” she continued, as Thea moved her chair across to Franny’s desk, “The story follows the adventures of a young American boy named Huckleberry Finn and a runaway slave named John. They become friends when…what now, Thea?”

“Please, Miss Langdon, I think the slave’s name was Jim,” Thea said nervously, wishing she had not put up her hand.

There was silence for a moment as Miss Langdon stared at her. Then the teacher drew her mouth into a tight line. “Are you trying to tell me you know better than me? I can’t believe a girl of your age who’s never even been to school has read Huckleberry Finn already!”

Thea went bright red. “But I have, my granny…”

“I don’t care what your granny says. Kindly stop showing off and let me get on with my lesson. If I have one more interruption from you, I’m sending you out of the class!”

Everyone started to snigger at this, and one of the boys sitting at the back threw a rubber that hit Thea on the back of the head. As Miss Langdon held up her hand for silence, and continued talking about the book, Thea stared at the pages in front of her feeling a little bewildered and upset. She didn’t understand what she had done so wrong.

It was a relief when the lesson finally came to an end, and she filed out of the classroom with everybody else to go and get lunch. Pausing to put some books in her locker and to wait for Franny, she was just emptying her bag when she heard that young lady’s voice.

“It serves her right, I think. She’s a stuck-up, know-it-all. I warned her at break and she didn’t even listen.”

“I heard her dad’s Sir Edgar Watson - he’s Daddy’s boss,” came another voice that Thea recognised as belonging to a girl called Kate, “I ‘spose she thinks she’s somebody ‘cause of that.”

Shutting the door to her locker, Thea turned around and walked over to where they were standing. “I don’t think I’m anyone, I just know the answers,” she said, feeling angry and hurt at their remarks.

The two girls looked at each other and began to giggle. Then pushing their way past Thea, they walked off down the corridor, whispering to each other.

“Franny, where do I go for lunch?” she called after them, suddenly realising she had no idea what to do next.

Franny span around to face her. “Find it yourself!” and giggling again, they ran off before Thea could say anymore.

Deciding that she was best off following the direction everybody else was heading in, Thea finally found herself in the dining hall. She got her lunch from the canteen-style servery, and then looked around her for somewhere to sit. Spotting Marcia sitting at a far table, she began to make her way towards her when she noticed that her sister was chatting away to a group of girls. Clearly she had already made her own friends and Thea wasn’t sure that she would want her big sister intruding. So instead she sat down at a nearby table with some other people from her class, and ate in silence as they all ignored her. She felt like it was the longest meal that she had ever endured.

When she finally finished, she cleared her tray away to the counter at the side and made her way towards the corridor that led outside.

“Thea!”

Hearing Marcia’s voice, she stopped and span around to face her little sister, who came bounding up to her with a big smile on her face.

“Isn’t this great?”

“Yeah, it’s okay I ‘spose.”

“I’ve already made lots of friends and my teacher’s really nice – it’s so much more fun than being stuck at home all the time! Are you okay?” she added, seeing the look on her sister’s face.

Thea hesitated for a second and then made up her mind to tell her sister exactly how her morning had been. “Not really, I…”

“Marcia, hurry, we’re going to have a game of tag! You can play that even with your arm!”

“Okay, coming!” Marcia called after Ann as her friend ran past her. Then turning back to her sister, “Want to come and play?”

Thea smiled faintly and shook her head. “No thanks, you go.”

“What’s wrong, Thea?”

“Nothing, only a headache. Go and play tag.”

“Okay, see you after school,” and Marcia ran off down the corridor towards the playground.

Thea watched her go, and suddenly realised how alone she felt. Looking around her, she noticed she was standing outside door to the girl’s toilets. She needed to get away from all this. Checking around quickly that nobody was watching, she slipped through the door. She was relieved to find them empty. Going into a cubicle, she locked the door behind her. Then lowering the lid, she sat down, put her head in her hands and began to cry.

Last edited by Josie on Wed May 25, 2005 11:05 pm; edited 2 times in total

#120: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:18 pm

Oh, poor Thea. Crying or Very sad

And that teacher should be shot - there was no need for her to reprimand Thea so severely - especially as was right about the slave's name. The girls in her class are a bunch of evil bullies too. fume

(Thanks Josie. Laughing

)

#121: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:38 pm

Poor Thea! I hope someone notices the problem and deals with it before she is made too unhappy!

If not, I can just hear Evvy sorting the school out Wink

I'm glad Ned has Harry with him, that will help him settle in. I'm most impressed with your knowledge of Harrow terminology!

thanks, Josie.

#122: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:56 pm

Looks like Ned & Marcia will be OK, but poor Thea!

* poke

ignorant, nasty Miss Langdon, hard!*
*likewise the (insert adjective here) bullies*
*hopes things are sorted quickly*

#123: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 8:37 pm

Lovely to see all their first days together, and the contrasts. Poor Thea, I hope things improve for her, and her teacher is evil!!!

#124: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 8:53 pm

Soooo true to school story style, Josie, those glimpses are fantastic!

So are we going to get three full histories of their school days now? Laughing

#125: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:14 pm

Thank you!
It's lovely to see the first day from all three perspectives (yes I know someone else said that but I think so too!)

Poor Thea *hopes she makes a few friends*

#126: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:40 pm

Poor Thea

Glad that Marcia is settling in though, and hope that Thea makes some new friends soon!!

#127: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 11:16 pm

*nips into cubicle and hugs Thea*

* poke

Miss Langdon and Franny & friends*

Thanks Jo

Liz

#128: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 7:25 am

Fascinating update, Josie, but poor Thea! I do hope life improves for her.

Thank you, Josie Smile

#129: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 9:58 am

poor Thea - also want to give her a big hug. Hope she finds a friend soon.

Great updates, thanks Jo. Smile

#130: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:00 am

Poor Thea

Thanks Josie

#131: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 12:10 pm

horrid teacher

((Thea))

I'm glad Ned and Marcia seem to be settling in though. Poor Thea has had a tough time of it...do you have a particular grudge against her, Jo?!

#132: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 1:26 pm

Poor Thea! I suppose it's good that Marcia's settling in but that's not going to make life easy for poor Thea.

Thanks Josie

#133: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 10:20 pm

*hugs Thea very tight*

*pokes evill rotten bullies*

#134: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 12:06 am

Thanks Jo! Over the last few days I have read 2nd Chance Part 4 which I somehow missed it was wonderful, and caught up with this.

I love it, you have the base of a happy family so well.

Poor little Thea hope her dad or Evvy sort it all out soon.

#135: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:51 am

Thank you Jo. Poor Thea. Love seeing there first days, giggling at the accident with MM!

#136: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 5:53 pm

francesn wrote:

Poor Thea has had a tough time of it...do you have a particular grudge against her, Jo?!

I really don't - I promise!! Embarassed

It's just the way it's worked out so far.

Scanning the faces of all the children pouring out of the school house door, Evadne suddenly spotted Marcia come out into the playground and waved in her direction. Catching sight of her, Marcia gave a yell and came running across to meet her, throwing her arms around her waist. Evvy laughed as she ruffled her stepdaughter’s blonde curls.

“Hey there, sweetie. How was your day?”

Pulling back, Marcia looked up at her with a wide grin on her face. “It was so good, Mummy! I’ve made lots of friends and I learnt some words in French! Je m’appelle Marcia!”

“Pleasure to met you, Marcia,” Evadne replied with a chuckle, “Where’s your sister?”

“Dunno, coming I ‘spose,” came the half-interested reply as Marcia gazed around her. ‘There’s Ann! Ann – come and meet Mummy!”

Ann came over with a grin, dragging her mother with her. “Hello! I’m, Ann and this is my Mummy, Mrs. Bown,” she said, indicating the lady standing next to her. “Mummy, this is my new friend Marcia and her Mummy!”

Evvy smiled and held out her hand. “Evadne. Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bown.”

“Please, call me Janice. It’s nice to meet you too. Did your daughter just start today?”

“Yes - it was all a bit last minute, to be honest. Long story.” Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Thea coming across the playground towards her and turned to face her with a wave. “Thea, sweetie, over here!”

Her stepmother’s voice roused Thea out of her trance, and smiling, more out of relief at seeing a friendly face than anything else, she waved back. Her afternoon had been marginally better than her morning, but only because she had kept her mouth shut and her hand down all the way through class. Franny and her friends had made the odd the stinging comment, but Thea had done her best to ignore them, telling herself that if she did so, they would leave her alone. Now she just wanted to get home, back to her family and people who loved her.

“Evadne, we have to get going, but it was lovely to meet you both. Marcia will have to come to tea sometime.”

“Ooo , can I Mummy, please.”

“Yes, I’m sure you can. Thanks, I think she’d like that!” Evadne replied, looking back up at Janice Bown with a grin. “Same goes for Ann - we’d be delighted to have her. Well goodbye, see you soon no doubt.”

As Ann and her mother departed to go home, Thea finally reached her sister and stepmother. Walking straight up to Evvy, she put her arms around her waist and buried her head in her chest. Evadne returned the hug, giving Marcia a quizzical look as she did so. That young lady shrugged her shoulders as she watched her sister in amazement.

“Are you okay, sugarpie?” Evvy asked, stroking the smooth brown locks and feeling slightly concerned. “Did you have a good day?”

Thea nodded, her head still buried in Evadne’s chest. “Was okay,” came the muffled reply. “Can we go home now?”

It was obvious that something was wrong, but Evadne simply said, “Yes of course we can, come on,” and keeping her arm firmly around Thea’s shoulders, she turned and led the way to the car.

Thea seemed to perk up on the journey home, as she listened to Marcia gabbling about her day, and by the time they arrived at the house, she was more or less her normal self. Marcia jumped out of the car and ran inside, throwing her bag down in the hall and heading straight through to the kitchen to see Guilia. As Thea clambered out and started to follow her sister, Evadne caught hold of her arm.

“Thea, is everything okay? You seemed a little upset when you came out of school earlier.”

Thea stared at the ground for a moment, and then shook her head. “I’m okay, Mummy, honest. It’s just funny getting used to school, that’s all. It’ll be okay.”

“Are you sure? There’s nothing else?”

“No, nothing. Can I go and see Guilia now?”

Evadne wasn’t entirely convinced, but realising that she wasn’t likely to get any more out of her daughter just now, she said, “Okay, off you go. I reckon she’s been cooking something special for you both – that’d be my guess from the yummy smells I’ve been smelling all day, anyhow.”

As Thea ran off towards the kitchen, Evvy entered the house, put her handbag down on the dresser in the hall and made her way through to the snug, temporarily putting all thoughts of her stepdaughter’s problems aside. Sitting down on the windowsill, she hugged her knees to her chest and stared out at the gardens, a wide grin on her face. It was now four thirty p.m. and Edgar should be home very shortly. She had called him earlier in the day to ask if there was any way he could get away early, and he had promised that he would do his best. A visit to her doctor’s this morning had confirmed her suspicions of the past three weeks, and she couldn’t wait to tell him her news.

In the kitchen, Thea happily took the biscuits and juice that Guilia offered her, and then sat down at the table. Marcia was perched on the sideboard, pouring forth all the details of her first day at school to their cook, and as Thea listened to her little sister talking, she began put a few things straight in her mind. She still wasn’t sure just what she had done wrong in lessons to make Miss Langdon shout at her, or why the other children in her class were picking on her, but she knew that it must be her fault. Marcia had made lots of friends and had got on fine in her classes, so it couldn’t be the school. Picking up her glass and draining the last of her juice, she made up her mind to work out how she could put things right. She would have to change if she wanted to fit in. She stood up, and swinging her satchel onto her shoulder, she left her sister and Guilia chattering away in the kitchen and made her way up to her room to think.

She had been sitting on her bed, staring at the opposite wall for fifteen minutes, mulling over the day’s events, when there was a knock at the door. It opened slowly and Marcia’s curly head appeared.

“Can I come in?”

“Course you can.” Thea beckoned her in and Marcia closed the door behind her, made her way across the room and jumped up to sit down opposite Thea on the bed. Thea looked across at her little sister with a smile. “Want another biscuit?” she asked, offering one of the two that she had brought upstairs with her.

Marcia accepted it, took a bite, and then stared at her sister. “Thea, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.”

“Yes it is, I can tell,” Marcia retorted, looking sternly at Thea face as that young lady stared determinedly at the biscuit in her hand, refusing to look her sister in the eye. “Didn’t you like it at school?”

Thea shrugged. “Was okay,” she mumbled, trying hard to sound convincing and failing miserably.

Marcia gave her a curious look. “But you made some friends, didn’t you? Everyone’s really nice!”

There was silence for a moment as Thea looked down at her bedspread, feeling tears start to well up in her eyes. “I don’t think I’m very nice.”

“Course you’re nice!” Marcia replied in amazement. “Nobody would like you if you were horrid!”

“Well then I must be horrid, ‘cause nobody likes me!” Thea spat out, and as she spoke, tears started to run down her face. “They said I’m stuck up and a know-all and I think I’m someone ‘cause of Daddy and Miss Langdon said I show off in class.”

Marcia stared at her sister in shock. “But it’s not true – you’re not like that!”

Thea shook her head as her tears continued to fall. “But I must be or they wouldn’t say it,” she choked, raising her hand to scrub her eyes.

“You’re not!” Scrambling up the bed, Marcia threw her arms around Thea’s neck and hugged her tight. Despite their occasional squabbling, she looked up to and adored her elder sister, and hated seeing her so upset. “They’re mean, horrid pigs and they’ve no right to say it. You’re the nicest girl in the whole world. I’m going to tell Mummy!” and she turned to jump down to do just that.

Before she could make it off the bed, Thea grabbed her arm. “Don’t, Marcia, please.”

“But you have to say if people are being nasty to you!”

“I don’t want to!”

“Then I’ll tell the girls in your class that you’re really nice and they have to leave you alone. Me ‘n’ Ann’ll do it tomorrow.”

“No, Marcia, you mustn’t! I don’t want anyone to know. Promise me you won’t tell.”

“But…”

“Promise!”

Marcia stared at her sister with concern. “Okay, I promise. But ‘snot fair, Thea, you’re not horrid.” She put her arms back around her sister again. “Please don’t cry. You can play with Ann and me tomorrow if you like.”

Thea returned her sister’s hug for a moment, and then pulling free, she wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “’Sokay, I’ll be alright. Maybe if I know less they’ll like me more.”

Marcia stared at her for a second, and then bounced down off the bed, holding out her hand. “Come and see Guilia with me again. She’s got more biscuits.”

“No thanks, I’m going to talk to Granny. You really promise you won’t tell about what I said?”

“I really promise.”

Thea nodded, and then without another word, she climbed off her bed and headed out of her room, leaving Marcia to follow on behind.

Meanwhile downstairs, Evadne heard the sound of a key in the lock and the front door opening. Getting to her feet, she made her way across the room to go and greet her husband. She had just reached the door into the hall, when it was suddenly flung open, hitting her square on the nose.

“Ow!”

“Oh sweetheart, I’m sorry, did I hurt you?” Edgar rushed forward to check that she was alright, but she pushed him away, putting her hand to her face to check if her nose was bleeding.

“What do you think? You could be more careful, you great oaf!”

“Well I like that!” he replied, justifiably indignant. “How was I supposed to know you’d be standing behind the door?”

“You could still be careful,” she muttered.

“Come here, let me see.” Ignoring her grouchiness, Edgar reached forward and pulled her hand away from her face. Then bending down, he kissed the tip of her nose. “Better?”

“A bit,” she replied, pouting, and Edgar laughed.

“You looked just like Marcia then! How old are you again?” She scowled up at him, and he grinned at her in return. “Well, you wanted me home early – so here I am!” he stated, indicating his presence with a little bow. “Now, am I allowed to know why, or is it a state secret?”

“Perhaps.”

Edgar raised his eyebrows. “Well in that case, maybe I should go and get changed while you make up your mind?” and turning, he put his hand on the door handle to open it.

Evadne grabbed his other arm and held him back. “Okay, okay, I’ll tell you. Come and sit down,” and holding his hand, she dragged him over to the window seat. He sat himself down on the cushioned surface and looked back up at her. She was standing in front of him, a coy expression on her face that he hadn’t seen her wear before.

“What are you up to?” he asked suspiciously, and the coyness vanished to be replaced by indignation.

“That’s nice! I’m not up to anything, thank you very much! I have something to tell you, as it happens. I went to the doctor today.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned, and she laughed and shook her head.

“Nothing’s wrong, don’t worry. In fact, we’re both very well indeed,” she replied, her shyness returning as she smiled down at him. Seeing the confused expression on his face, she added, “We’ll need to start thinking about a nursery soon though.”

Edgar stared at her for a second in shock, and then his face broke into a broad smile, his eyes shining with delight. “Really? Is it certain?”

She nodded, her grin becoming wider by the second. “Yes, absolutely certain. We’re going to have a baby!” and as she finished speaking, she burst into tears.

“Darling, come here, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just so happy!” she sobbed, and laughing, Edgar pulled her down into his lap.

Taking his handkerchief out of his pocket, he dried her tears before kissing her on the lips and hugging her to him tightly. “We’re having a baby!” he said, repeating her words and sounding so happy that she started to cry again. “Come on, Evvy, it’s okay - it’s happy news!”

“I know!” came the muffled reply – she still had her head buried in his shoulder – and he lifted her face, kissing her again and handing her his handkerchief so that she could dry her eyes. She did so and gave him a sheepish smile. “I was just so worried I was too old and we may not be able to have a baby, and I was so nervous about starting to try for one; that’s why I hadn’t brought it up yet.” She took a deep breath, swallowing another sob as she did so. “And then it happened before we got that far, and I was so scared about going to see Doctor Schreiber in case I was wrong. It was such a relief when he said I really was pregnant that I burst into tears in his office - I don’t think he knew what to do with me!” she added with a grin. “He sat me down in an armchair with a handkerchief and left me to it!”

Edgar chuckled. “Poor man, you must have given him a shock!” Lifting his hand, he brushed some hair back from her face and gazed into her eyes. “So when’s it due?”

“End of April. We’re going to have a spring baby.” She scrubbed her eyes one last time and then handed his handkerchief back to him. “Edgar, I was wondering whether…well…can we keep it our secret for now?”

He gave her a curious look. “Yes of course, if that’s what you want?”

She nodded her head. “Yes please. Just for a couple of months or so – ‘til I start to show. It’s just we never get to have anything just for ourselves, and I thought it’d be good if this could be only ours for a while before everybody knows. Are you sure that’s okay?”

Tucking the loose locks behind her ear, Edgar leaned forward to kiss her again. “Of course it’s okay,” he said, wiping away the smudged make-up from under her eyes with his thumb. “It can be our secret for as long as you want.”

Before she could reply, there was a tap at the door and Marcia burst into the room holding a plate of biscuits. “Guilia said to bring…Mummy, why are you crying?” she asked, alarmed at the sight of her stepmother’s red eyes.

Evadne smiled at her and shook her head. “I just had something in my eye, sweetie, that’s all. What have you got there?”

“Guilia made some biscuits,” she said, holding out the plate. “She thought you might like some ‘cause me and Thea have eaten them ‘til we’re full.”

Edgar smiled and reached out to take the plate. “If you’ve eaten ‘til you’re full, does that mean you won’t need any dinner?”

“No!” Marcia looked shocked at the idea. “Course I want dinner!”

Edgar laughed. “Where’s Thea? Still with Guilia”

“No, she went to talk to Granny.”

“Marcia, is she okay?” Evadne asked, concern evident in her voice. “Did something happen today at school?”

Marcia hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. “No, she’s okay. Daddy, school was so much fun! I wrote a story all about my summer holidays – do you want you hear it?”

“That sounds lovely, poppet,” Edgar replied, grinning at his daughter. “How about you run and get it, and Mummy and I’ll meet you out on the terrace.”

Returning his grin, Marcia turned and ran out of the room. Edgar watched her go, and then looked at his wife with a furrowed brow. “What’s that about Thea?”

“I’m not really sure, Edgar, but I think something’s wrong. She was so clingy and subdued when I picked them up – not like herself at all. When I asked her what was up, she said it was just hard to get used to being at school, but I’m not so sure she’s selling the truth – nor’s Marcia for that matter.”

Edgar frowned. “Well I suppose it would be strange for them after being taught at home for so long. Didn’t she say anything else?”

Evadne shook her head. “No, nothing. What d’you think we should do?”

“There’s nothing we can do, I don’t think. Not unless she tells us something. I suppose we’ll have to just keep an eye on her.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Evvy took a deep breath and sighed. “Maybe I’ll go see her teacher if she’s still like this in a few weeks.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” Putting a hand on her stomach, he rubbed it gently and grinned at her. “Come on then, let’s get you two outside so we can hear this story. I hate to think what she’s said!”

Evadne returned his grin, placing her hand over his, and leaned in to kiss him on the lips. “I love you, Edgar Watson.”

Edgar gazed back at her, his eyes full of affection. “I love you too.” Then pushing her up off his lap, he stood up and put an arm around her shoulders. “Now then, can you walk now you’re in your delicate state, or do I need to carry you?”

“Don’t you dare!” she retorted, a horrified look on her face, and pulling away from him, she ran towards the door and out into the hall before he could catch her and carry out his threat.

Last edited by Josie on Thu May 05, 2005 8:40 am; edited 1 time in total

#137: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 5:59 pm

Thank you Jo!

What a lovely long shiny post! Very Happy

*hugs Thea and wibbles a bit for her* Crying or Very sad

*jumps and bounces for Evvy* Mexican Wave

#138: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 6:30 pm

Aaawwwww! That was so sweet!

And congrats to the pair of them on the glad tidings. Very Happy

Feeling very sorry for poor Thea though! Sad

#139: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 6:36 pm

Lovely Josie. Thea's situation is so realistic. Poor kid!

I love the way Evvy told Edgar her news. they are so sweet together.

#140: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:11 pm

Thank you Jo!

Poor little Thea! That teacher should be shot! How is it possible she's teaching in a UN school??????

#141: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 12:36 am

Thank you Jo!

I'm so pleased for Evvy and Edgar! But that teacher of Thea's should be drowned!!!

#142: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 9:39 am

yay for the happy news and the lovely long post!
Thanks Jo Very Happy

hope Thea's second day is better than her first though.

#143: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 1:04 pm

What shiny news! Thanks Jo

Liz *wibbling about Thea*

#144: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 2:40 pm

Poor little Thea - hope it is all put right very soon.

Glad for Evvy and Edgar - what a lovely way to tell him.

Thanks Jo.

#145: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 7:24 pm

Poor Thea - hope Evvy and co can find out the problem - then Evvy can attack that evil woman maskarading as a teacher. Twisted Evil

Thanks Josie.

#146: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 7:38 pm

Poor Thea

Awwwwwwwww!Evvy and Edgar Very Happy

Thanks Jo

#147: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 10:08 pm

*huggles Thea*

poor darling.

but great news for Evvy and Edgar! I hope everything goes well for them *wibbling slightly*

scrap that

*wibbling lots*

#148: Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 2:05 am

I'm more worried for the teacher when Evvy finds out what she said to Thea. Evvy will gut her

#149: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 5:08 pm

Awww!!! *hugs Evvy and Edgar*

Thank you Jo! (see, I'm still keeping up! Wink

)

*Pokes Franny and Miss Langond, grrr*

#150: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 11:27 pm

“What did you get?”

Ned looked up from cramming his books into his desk and grinned at his friend. “Well I can guess what you got - another ‘A’? You do realise you’re becoming a swot, don’t you?” he added, as Harry nodded and held up his geography book with the large, red ‘A-’ at the top of the page.

Unperturbed at Ned’s teasing, Harry simply gave him a complacent smile. “I’m very proud of being a swot, thanks. And anyway, Dad’d kill me if I wasn’t. He and Mum were always top of the class and I’m expected to follow in their footsteps. So come on then – you never said what you got.”

Ned grimaced and turned back to his desk to try and wedge one final book into the haphazard jumble inside. “Let’s just say my Dad’d probably have a fit if he knew.”

“Another ‘D’?”

“No, one worse than that. I seem to be making my way down the alphabet,” Ned replied with a chuckle. “Why don’t they make these dratted desks big enough?” Giving up on trying to squeeze his geography book into an inch of spare space, he dropped it on the desk next to him and began to pull some of his other books out instead.

Harry watched on in amusement. “I swear you’re the biggest slob I know, Ned Watson. And you’re very calm about getting an ‘E’, I must say! I’d be having several fits if it were me.”

Ned shrugged. “It’s no big deal. It’s not like I can’t do the work, anyway, I was just too busy with eccer and stuff. The beaks know that, they’ll let me off,”

Harry didn’t think for a moment that any of the masters would let Ned off doing his homework just because he’d been doing sport instead, but he knew that his friend would not appreciate him saying so. So rather than risk a dose of Ned’s wrath, he contented himself with raising his eyebrows and pulling a sceptical face. Ned chose to ignore him and turned his attention back to his desk again. Finally managing to find a place for everything, he slammed down the lid and got to his feet.

“What are you up to now?” he asked, picking up his satchel and swinging it onto his shoulder. “You going into town?”

Harry shook his head. “Think I’ll make a start on my prep. The play auditions are on after dinner and I’d quite like to give it a go, so I’d better get it out of the way now. How about you?”

“Torpids practice,” Ned replied, referring to the house rugby team of which he was the new scrum-half. “We’re playing Moretons tomorrow remember. Bennett wants us to be tight on all the tactics and stuff. Better get going actually, or I’ll be late,” he added, as they walked out of their form room into the corridor. “See you at dinner!” and he turned and ran off in the direction of their boarding house, leaving Harry to follow behind in his wake.

It was now almost four weeks into Ned’s first term at Harrow, and he was settling in very well. He and Harry got on famously with the rest of their year group in The Park, and with one or two exceptions, were proving to be popular among the rest of the house as well. On the sports field, Weare’s predictions of the first afternoon of term had been proved correct. Bennett had been impressed with Ned’s prowess on the rugby field, and he soon found himself the new scrum-half of both The Park house team and the school’s Under 13’s. So all in all, with the end of September now approaching, Ned Watson was one very happy young man.

The only fly in the ointment was his academic grades. He was a very bright boy and perfectly capable of being up among the top pupils on his form lists, but more often than not, his obsession with sport meant that not enough attention was paid to his studies. This was by no means a new problem as far as Ned was concerned. It had been noted on his reports at Dragon House, and Edgar had been trying for well over a year to get his son to see the importance of balancing sport with his school work. The difference was that at prep school he had been able to get away with dashing off his homework in a minimal amount of time, and his grades, though not as high as they could have been, were always above average. At Harrow, however, he was finding that this tactic did not tend to work. The more involved he got with rugby, the lower his marks became and in the past month he had been averaging a ‘C-’ or ‘D+’. Today’s geography prep had been an all-time low.

Harry had tried to tactfully point out to his friend that maybe he should do a bit more work, but after getting his head bitten off a couple of times, he had decided that Ned would just have to learn the hard way and more or less left him to it. In turn, Ned had somehow convinced himself that the fact that he was busy with rugby practice would mean that allowances would be made for him, and consequently he barely gave his terrible grades a second thought. Only occasionally did his conscience kick in, when he thought about what his father and stepmother would say when they saw his end-of-term report. But like most twelve year old boys, he found that it was fairly easy to his ignore his conscience by just not thinking about the reality of the situation, and so he carried on regardless and his academic work continued to slide.

Later that evening, Harry was sitting on his bed learning his repetition, when the study door burst open and Ned came in, red-faced and dressed in his tennis whites. Throwing his racket onto his bed, he plumped himself down next to it and heaved a sigh. Harry looked up from his book, his eyebrows raised.

“Why are you in your tennis stuff?”

“Dur! ‘Cause I’ve been playing tennis, idiot!” Ned replied, grinning as Harry rolled his eyes and laid his book down on his bed. “I’ve just been playing Burgess – thought we may as well get a set in while the courts are still open; they’re taking the nets down next week. I owed him a thrashing after he beat me 6-1 last week!”

“So did you win?”

“Just – 7-5. But the win’ll be the only thing that’s remembered in the history books, not the details! What are you doing?”

“My rep. I didn’t get it done before the auditions.”

“How did they go?”

“Good, I think. They’re putting the cast up tomorrow lunchtime, so I’ve got to wait 'til then to find out though. I’m up against Livingstone for Bottom.”

“Bet you get it. You’re much better than he is.” Ned glanced at his watch, and an expression of mild panic crossed his face. “Oh bother! It’s half-eight already and I still haven’t done my prep!” and getting to his feet again, he hurriedly crossed the room to his desk and sat down. Picking up his satchel from the floor next to him, he pulled out his algebra books, opened the text book to the correct page, and began to scribble frantically.

Half an hour later, he shut his history book triumphantly, just as the bell rang to announce that it was fifteen minutes to lights out. Harry looked round from the sink where he was brushing his teeth.

“You can’t have finished already, surely?” he exclaimed in surprise, dribbling toothpaste down his chin as he spoke.

Ned grinned, scraping back his chair and getting to his feet. “Have too!”

Harry rinsed his mouth out, and then turned back to face him. “What about your rep?”

“I’ll skim through it in the morning – won’t take long.”

“You always say that and you never do.”

“Well this time I will!” Ned retorted, pulling off his tennis shirt and vest, and pulling on his pyjama top. “And what’s got into you, anyway? Anyone would think you were my mother, the way you’re carrying on! Get off my back, will you? I’ll be fine!”

“Well on your head be it. Richardson’ll have kittens if you’ve not learnt it again, you know what he’s like!” Harry replied as he climbed into bed.

“I know, but as you said, on my head be it. So let me choose what to do with my own head!” Ned pulled a face at him as he tied his pyjama bottoms and then picked up his toothbrush. Brushing his teeth quickly, he had just replaced the brush in its holder when the bell rang for lights out. Being the nearest to the switch, he turned them out and then fumbled his way back to his bed in the dark. He almost made it. He was only two feet away when he tripped over his satchel that he’d left lying on the floor and fell sprawling into his nightstand, knocking his alarm clock off with a terrific clatter. Cursing, he fished around for it under his bed as Harry dissolved into fits of laughter.

“Stop howling like a hyena, you idiot!” Ned hissed as he found the clock and put it back on the nightstand. Then laughing himself, he groped his way onto his bed and climbed between the sheets. “You’ll bring Stevenson or Putter in here in a flash if you don’t shut up!”

Choking down his laughter, Harry asked, “What did you do?”

“Fell over my bag and knocked off my clock,” Ned replied, giggling as he spoke.

“Serves you right for being such a slob!”

“Well serves you right for being an idiot!”

Harry was about to point out that Ned’s argument made no sense whatsoever, when the door opened and Guy Rabbetts, the house monitor, stuck his head around it. “It's flicks, you two. Shut up and go to sleep! Goodnight!”

As he disappeared again, Ned turned over onto his side and wriggled himself into a comfortable position, then whispered, “Idiot!”

“Slob!” came the hissed reply, and with that, Harry had the last word of the night.

#151: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 6:58 am

Think Ned is heading for a rather large fall - can see him banned from all sports until his grades pick up!

Thanks Josie- lovely post -and very realistic - Edgar and Evvy will explode! Laughing

#152: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 7:07 am

Lovely! I think Ned's got a shock coming soon.

#153: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 8:44 am

Thank you Jo! Lovely - think Ned might find that the unlearned rep might be the last straw as far as his master are concerned!

#154: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 9:33 am

Oh dear! I hope the masters aren't too hard on him and at least give him a warning before deciding to ban him from sports or something like that.

Thanks Jo

*now wibbling over Ned and Thea*

Liz

#155: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 10:33 am

Poor Ned!! I think he's going to learn about school the hard way. Thanks Jo Very Happy

#156: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 2:49 pm

*Thinks Ned is in for a big shock soon*

Thanks Jo!

#157: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 3:30 pm

Lesley wrote:

Think Ned is heading for a rather large fall - can see him banned from all sports until his grades pick up!

Just what I was thinking!! Thank you Jo!

#158: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 8:56 pm

Oh dear!!!
Methinks that young Ned is in for a bit of a rude awakening!!!

#159: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 9:10 pm

“Girls, have you got everything? Marcia, get back upstairs and change your socks, quickly! You know you’re not allowed to wear red ones to school! Thea, let me take that, sweetie, you don’t want to drop it.”

As her sister ran back up the stairs to put on her uniform white socks, Thea turned to her stepmother with a smile and passed over the model that she was holding in her hands. She had spent the whole of the previous evening building the Roman villa out of shoe boxes, scraps of material, pipe cleaners and other oddments, and she was justifiably proud of it. She certainly didn’t want to drop it.

Evadne returned her smile as she took hold of it. “You go and get in the car, and then I’ll set it on your knees,” she said, steering her stepdaughter out of the front door. “You can get Daddy to help you out again at the other end.” Thea ran across to her father’s UN staff car, said good morning to Andreas, Edgar’s driver, and clambered into the back seat. Evadne followed with the model and as soon as her Thea was settled, she balanced it in the little girl’s lap. Then kissing her on the cheek and wishing her a good day at school, she stood up straight again, had a couple of words with Andreas, and then headed back into the house. She was met at the front door by her husband, who was towing a large, heavy suitcase behind him.

“How much stuff are you taking?” she asked, amused at the size of the case. “You’re only going for three days, and it’s hot in Rome, so don’t tell me you’ve had to pack sweaters and things!”

“Not sweaters, no. Try three suits different suits and all the accompanying clothing. That’s the problem with these conference things – too many outfit changes! Thanks,” he added, as Andreas came over to take the case from him.

“You mean you’re not just going to sit on the beach?”

Edgar chuckled and shook his head. “Sadly not, no. If you’re lucky, I might get shopping and buy you a present though.”

“Well in that case, I forgive you for going off and leaving me!” She grinned up at him, and then walked across the hall to the bottom of the stairs. “Marcia, will you get a move on!” she called, as Edgar took his coat off the stand and put in on. “Your father needs to leave now! Would you believe she tried to wear red socks to school today?” she added, turning back to her husband, and reaching up to smooth down the corner of his collar.

“Somehow I can believe that only too well!” he replied with a smile. “Is Thea already in the car?”

Evadne nodded. “She seems a little happier today, actually. Maybe she’s getting over whatever it is that’s wrong?”

Edgar’s face sobered at his wife’s words, and he heaved a sigh. “I do hope so. I hate seeing her like this. Did you manage to book that appointment with her head?”

“Yes, though he couldn’t see me ‘til Friday,” she replied with a frown. “You’d think he could’ve spared ten minutes a little sooner. Still,” she added, “at least you’ll be back and off work, so we can go together.”

“Yes, that’s true. I just wish we knew what was wrong. Evvy, have another go and see if you can get anything out of her this week, will you?”

Evadne gave a slight smile and nodded her head. “Will do.” At that moment, they heard the loud clatter of feet running along the landing, and Marcia came flying down the stairs.

“Okay, ready!” she cried, as she ran past them out to the car.

“Marcia!” There was no response, and Evadne resignedly walked across the hall and picked up her abandoned school bag. “I swear she’d forget her head if it wasn’t screwed on. Give her this, will you, and make sure she doesn’t leave it in the car when you get to school,” she asked, handing the bag over to Edgar.

He took it, and then bent down to kiss her. “Okay you, have a wonderful week and I’ll see you Thursday evening.

“You too, and remember to buy me something nice!”

He chuckled and kissed her on the forehead. Then releasing her, he stooped to pick up his briefcase and made his way to the front door. “Take care of yourself, darling,” he said over his shoulder. “I love you.”

“Love you too. Have a safe flight!” She watched as he walked across the forecourt and climbed into the car. Then giving a little wave, she turned back into the house, shutting the front door behind her. As she bent down to pick up a scarf that had fallen off the coat rack, her thoughts returned to Thea. Like Edgar, Evadne wished dearly that she knew what was wrong with her. Over the past four weeks, she had continued to be subdued and clingy, and she seemed to be losing her spark and joie de vivre. To begin with, they had hoped that it was just an adjustment period in getting used to her new school, but as time had gone on, both Evadne and Edgar became increasingly concerned. She appeared to be getting more and more unhappy and they weren’t even hearing about any friends. She had brought one girl from her class home for tea in her second week there, and they seemed to get on well enough, but no more had been heard about her since. When Evvy had suggested inviting her again, Thea had shaken her head and refused to discuss it.

They had tried several times to get her to open up about what was going on, but she simply said she was fine and there was nothing wrong. At the end of the previous week, Evadne had finally gone into the school to speak to the headmaster about her concerns, only to be told by the somewhat haughty school secretary that he was too busy to see her. She would have to make an appointment. A little put out by the secretary’s attitude, she had nevertheless done as she was told, and consequently she and Edgar were due to pay a visit to the school on the coming Friday.

Hanging the scarf back on the rack, she gave a small sigh. At least Thea seemed in better spirits today. Maybe it was just an adjustment period after all. Realising there was little she could do now until Thea got home again, she put her stepdaughter’s troubles out of her mind for now, and turned and made her way through to the kitchen. She had finally persuaded Guilia to teach her how to cook, and this morning was to be her first lesson.

“Here you are, sweetheart,” Edgar handed the model over to his eldest daughter and then bent down to kiss her on the cheek. “Be good for Mummy this week, won’t you, and keep an eye on that sister of yours! I’ll see you Thursday night after school.”

“Bye, Daddy, see you Thursday.” Thea watched as her father climbed back into his car and it drove off down the street. Then she turned and walked across the playground to join her sister who was already on the other side talking to her friends.

Things in school had got no better for Thea since her very first week there. After the first day, she had made up her mind to try not to stand out in class, and to that end she had been successful. As long as she kept quiet and did her work, Miss Langdon had no reason to single her out.

Out of class, however, things had gone from bad to worse. Franny, Kate and their coterie had obviously decided to make a target of her, and they took every opportunity to make subtle little remarks or to have ‘accidents’ around her, always being careful not to draw attention to what they were doing. Of the seventeen children in the class beside Thea herself, eight of them were in the little group that seemed to delight in making her schooldays a misery. They flicked their ink pens at her, spattering her clothes with dots of ink, tripped her up in corridors, stuck notes to her back, nicknamed her ‘stinky’ and told her she smelt of cowpats, and one morning they locked her in the girls' toilets, causing her to be late for class, for which she got in trouble with Miss Langdon.

Thea’s other nine classmates simply ignored what was going on. Truth be told, they actually sympathised with her, knowing full well what Franny and her friends were like, but they were unwilling to risk becoming targets themselves. So they ignored Thea in school, and occasionally laughed along at the coterie’s ‘jokes’ if the situation demanded it. One girl had made an effort to befriend Thea in her first week, even going to the Watsons for tea one night after school. But then Kate had threatened that they would start picking on her too if she continued to hang around with Thea, so that friendship had ended as quickly as it had started.

At lunch and break times, she sought refuge with Marcia. The coterie tended to keep their distance whenever she was with her sister and that young lady's friends. Ann Bown was very popular throughout the school, and they could see that Marcia was on her way to becoming equally well-liked. They had no desire to make their behaviour known to a wider audience, and it surely would become so if those two young ladies were to find out what was going on. Little did they know that Marcia and Ann were only too aware, but had been forbidden to get involved by Thea herself.

For her own part, Thea had long since given up trying to get them to like her, and endured their bullying with a somewhat resigned air. She was always careful not to react, as it made them worse, but inside she was so upset by it all that her work was beginning to drop off, and Miss Langdon was starting to take notice of her again, pulling her up several times for sloppy mistakes.

Today, however, she was feeling a little better about things. They had been given an assignment for history class to make a model of a building from any era they chose. She had decided on the Roman times, and as has already been said, had spent the whole of the previous evening creating a villa. History was her second class today, and she was very much looking forward to handing it in and hopefully winning some praise from her teacher for once.

The first lesson after assembly was English, in which they studied more of Huckleberry Finn, and Thea’s morning seemed to be going better than usual. She had been left alone so far today, and she allowed herself a glimmer of hope that maybe they had finally got bored. After forty minutes, Miss Langdon asked them to put away their books and when they were ready, to bring their models out to the front of the class and stand them on the large table at the side of the room. Thea carefully extracted her villa from where she had stowed it by her feet, and then standing it on her desk, she bent to put her story book back in her bag as she would need it that evening. The next moment, she heard a loud bang and felt herself being almost pushed off her chair. Steadying herself, she looked up to see Franny leaning against her, a nasty smirk on her face and her hand crushing the side of her villa, one half of which was totally destroyed.

“Francesca, what do you think you’re doing?”

Franny hastily rearranged her face into an expression of remorse, and then turned around to face her teacher.

“I’m awfully sorry, Miss Langdon, I tripped on the way back to my desk and fell on Thea’s model. It was an accident.”

“Well be more careful next time, you stupid girl. Thea, bring it up here, let me have a look at it, see if we can do anything to save it.”

Thea had been staring at her crushed villa, feeling angrier than she ever had in her life. She could feel tears pricking the back of her eyes, and she was determined not to cry. But Franny’s words had been the final straw as far as her temper was concerned.

Jumping to her feet, she ignored her teacher's commands and instead shouted, “It wasn’t an accident! She did it on purpose – I know she did!”

“Of course it was an accident,” Miss Langdon replied, sounding irritated, “Nobody would do that on purpose. Now stop being silly and bring it up to me, now!”

“But it was on purpose…”

“Thea, if you don’t stop yelling, you can leave the class this instant. Now do as you’re told and bring it here.”

“But it’s not fair…”

"Thea..."

"You don't care! They're mean, horrible bullies and..."

“Right, that’s it. Get out. You can got to Mr. Anthony’s office and explain why I’ve had to send you out of class. Go on, go!”

Thea didn’t need to be told twice. Picking up her bag, she left the room as quickly as she could, tears beginning to roll down her face. As she shut the door behind her, she turned in the opposite direction from the Head’s office and began to run down the corridor towards the playground. She just wanted to get home.

“Thea, what’s wrong?”

The familiar voice stopped her in her tracks, and she span around to face Ann, who had come out of class to use the toilet.

“What’s happened?”

“They crushed my model! They did it on purpose, I know they did, and then I got in trouble and sent out of the class!” and turning on her heel again, she continued her run down the corridor, her eyes blinded by her tears. As she turned the corner leading to the outside door, she ran straight into the solid form of the school nurse.

Last edited by Josie on Sat May 07, 2005 9:23 pm; edited 1 time in total

#160: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 9:23 pm

Poor Thea! And that woman (I'll not call her teacher because she doesn't deserve it!) swear

Really hope this will all come out in the open, that Evvy gets involved, and absolutely creams them all!!!!

Oh,and thanks Josie! Laughing

#161: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 9:34 pm

I'm so glad this is going to have to come out in the open! Poor Thea! Glad Marcia has settled in though.

Thanks Jo - even if you did leave us on a semi cliff!

#162: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 9:41 pm

Poor little Thea!!!

Not sure who I want to slap more!!!!

The rotten excuse for a teacher, or that little cow Franny!

#163: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 9:54 pm

In the last few days (mostly today), I've read right from the beginning of Long Road Home. This is brilliant. I'm desperate for more to read but it's good that I've finished, hopefully, unlike today, I'll be able to get some work done tomorrow!

#164: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:29 pm

Poor Thea! I don't like the sound of a 'snooty' secretary either - or a Head who is too busy to see a parent!

Thanks Josie. I'm really looking forward to seeing Evvy deal with all of them Twisted Evil

#165: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:35 pm

Thanks Jo, hope the Nurse is more sympathetic than the rest of the staff. Poor little Thea. Looking forwrd to seeing Evvy sort them out!

#166: The Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 12:03 am

Poor Thea - if the Nurse has anything about her, (?shades of Matey?)she will find out what's going on and insist on something being done to remedy the situation. Just as well, too - I wouldn't like to be in the shoes of Miss Langdon, the 6 girls or the Headmaster if Evadne finds out what's happening to Thea before some action is taken!!!

#167: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 5:01 am

Grrrrrr!

Hope nurse is understanding, and that Evvy & Edgar make Miss Langdon et al. shake in their shoes.

Good thing Thea at least has Marcia and her friends.

A little worried about Ned -- but assume he'll ultimately straighten up and fly right.

Thanks, Josie!

#168: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 8:05 am

Thanks Josie!

Grrrrr about Thea's situation

Ned will wake up when he's banned from sport Smile

#169: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 9:24 am

*steams gently*

Thank you Jo! *stands by armed with poking stick*

#170: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 11:02 am

for Thea

Please let Nurse be understanding and helpful

Liz

#171: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 2:51 pm

i hope nurse can sort it out for her - although judging by the rest of the staff at that school i don't hold out much hope. Crying or Very sad

#172: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 3:19 pm

Evil mean girls and woman!

I hope Nurse is nicer than Matey, who seems to terrify all girls rather than help them! She's never seemed the sort of person I'd actually want to talk to about any problems.

Hopefully Nurse will be nicer and more confidence inspiring!

Thanks Jo Smile

#173: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 7:47 pm

Hope Ned is warned before getting banned
Hope the nurse is nice and has heard the convosation with Ann.
Hope Evvy gets involved fume

Hope Evvy

miss Langdon

#174: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 10:42 pm

“Whoa there!” Nurse Solomons staggered slightly under the impact, and then steadied herself, grabbing the young girl by the shoulders to stop her running off again. “Where are you off to young lady? Shouldn’t you be in class?”

Thea stared up at her and shook her head. She knew she should tell the nurse the real reason why she was out of her lessons, but right now all she wanted to do was get home. “I don’t feel well. I want to go home to Mummy,” she said, her voice breaking as she tried to choke down her sobs.

Nurse Solomons looked down at her, taking in her pale face, red eyes and the tears streaming down her cheeks. Thea was not a good liar, and it was obvious that she was not out of class because she felt unwell. Looking her up and down once more, she said “Come with me,” and keeping one hand on her shoulder, she turned her and steered her back down the corridor in the direction from which she had just come.

Evadne’s first cooking lesson was going very well. Guilia had decided to start with something simple, and after hearing of the disaster that had led her to be employed with the Watsons in the first place, she decided that the first thing she should teach Lady Watson to cook was shepherd’s pie. Despite Evadne’s first attempt, which saw her forgetting the potatoes were on and leaving them to burn on the bottom of the pan, she had made considerable progress over the course of the last two hours. There was now an impressive-looking pie browning in the oven, and the two women were taking the opportunity to have a cup of coffee and some homemade biscotti. Guilia was in the middle of a story about her new grandson whom she had been to see over the weekend when the phone rang, and apologising for the interruption, Evadne set her coffee down on the table and went to answer it.

A minute later she was back, a slightly panicked look on her face.

“Guilia, I’ve got to head down to the school, something’s wrong with Thea. Can you keep an eye on the pie for me?”

“But of course! Quickly, you must go now,” and hustling Evadne out into the hallway, she picked up her employer’s handbag off the dresser whilst that lady put on her coat. “You will need this,” and before Evvy knew what was happening, she found herself bundled out of the front door and into her car.

When she arrived at the school, she parked askew to the kerb, leaving the back end sticking out into the road. Ignoring the fact that people were honking their horns and having to drive around it, she jumped out and she hurried across the playground to the school entrance. She was met at the door by Nurse Solomons, who greeted her with a solemn nod.

“Thanks for coming down, Lady Watson,” she said, as she led Evadne down the corridor towards her office. “I really think she needs you just now.”

“What’s happened?”

“I’m not entirely sure. I found her running down the corridor in tears, saying she didn’t feel well and wanted to get home to you.” They reached the door to her room as she said this, and she paused, her hand on the handle, and glanced down at the smaller woman next to her. “I’ve a strong suspicion that she’s not telling me the truth. You may want to see if she’ll open up more to you at home,” she said, giving Evadne a meaningful look, and with that, she opened the door.

Thea was sitting in a chair on the far side of the room. She raised her head from her hands as they entered, and seeing her stepmother, she jumped down from her seat and ran towards her, throwing her arms around her and bursting into tears again. Evadne bent down, holding the little girl tightly to her and giving Nurse Solomons a concerned glance.

“It’s okay, sweetie, I’m here now,” she said, gently rubbing Thea’s back as it heaved with her sobs. “Do you want to come home?”

Thea nodded, her head still buried in Evadne’s shoulder. Keeping hold of her stepdaughter with one arm, Evvy slipped her bag off her shoulder and pulled out her handkerchief. Then lifting Thea’s head, she gently wiped her eyes and kissed her on the cheek.

“Let’s get going shall we?” she said, handing Thea the handkerchief and getting to her feet. “Have you got your bag?”

Nodding again, still too emotional to speak, Thea walked back over to the chair and pulled her satchel out from underneath it. As she did so, Evadne turned to Nurse Solomons. “Thank you for looking after her.”

The nurse gave her a smile. “You’re welcome – and good luck.”

Evvy returned the smile with a small one of her own, and then putting her arm around Thea’s shoulders, she steered her out of the room.

A couple of minutes later, the bell rang for break. Nurse Solomons straightened her office, returning the chair to its usual spot, and then locking her door behind her, she made her way to the staffroom. When she arrived, only the headmaster was there, and greeting him with a cheery smile, she made her way over to the small kitchenette on the far side. She was just pouring herself a coffee when she heard the door open again, and several new voices entered the room.

“Mr. Anthony, there you are!” said a voice that she recognised as Miss Langdon’s. “I’m terribly sorry I had to send Thea Watson along to you, but I didn’t know what else to do. I really don’t know what the problem is with that child!”

Nurse felt herself tense at the words, but she kept her back firmly to them and tipped two sugars into her drink.

“Thea Watson?” she heard Mr. Anthony reply. “I haven’t seen her all day.”

“But I sent her to you!” came the indignant response. “Are you telling me that she didn’t come to see you?”

“No, she didn’t. Did you see her Miss Hope?” he asked the school secretary, and got a negative response in return.

“Well that’s just about the living edge!” Miss Langdon exclaimed, her anger evident in her voice. “First I have to send her out of my class for cheeking me and making accusations about another girl, and then she doesn’t even do as she’s told! She’s thoroughly impossible!”

Nurse finished stirring her coffee, and then throwing the spoon into the sink, she turned around to face them.

“I can tell you where she is,” she began, and the room went silent as everyone stared, waiting to hear what she had to say. “I met her on the way to your office, Mr. Anthony, and I’ve sent her home ill.”

“What?” Miss Langdon looked furious as she faced her colleague. “There was nothing wrong with her!”

“As the medical professional here, I’d have to disagree,” Nurse replied, staring calmly back into the teacher’s apoplectic face. “It was clear to me that something was wrong, so I called her mother to come and get her. If you need to address something regarding her behaviour in class, then you’ll have to wait until she’s well enough to return,” and picking up her cup of coffee, she took a sip and then walked out of the room without a backwards glance.

Last edited by Josie on Sun May 08, 2005 11:31 pm; edited 1 time in total

#175: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 10:46 pm

Yay! Well done Nurse Solomons. Just what Thea needed. And she put the teachers in their place nicely.

Thanks Jo

Liz

#176: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 10:49 pm

GO NURSE SOLOMNS!!!!

Thank you Jo, for another brilliant update.

Although I really want to slap Miss Langdon and Franny & Co.!!

#177: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 10:49 pm

*hugs Nurse Solomons for being a sweetie!*

#178: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 10:58 pm

*Gloats happily*

ROFL

#179: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 11:04 pm

Excellent nurse - wonderful profession! Wink

Thanks Jo - just what Thea needed - now hope Evvy can get to the bottom of this - and raise merry Hell with Miss Langdon - preferably with a boot up the rear! Twisted Evil

#180: The Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 11:16 pm

Lesley wrote:

Thanks Jo - just what Thea needed - now hope Evvy can get to the bottom of this - and raise merry Hell with Miss Langdon - preferably with a boot up the rear! Twisted Evil

Dear me, such unladylike vindictiveness....!! But I agree with you a hundred percent, Lesley! Miss Langdon definitely need a quick kick where it counts!

If Evvy actually gets the truth about what's been happening out of Thea, then I don't give too many chances of Miss Langdon's escaping her wrath - and we all know what happens when Evvy gets angry!!

Mind you, even though her defences are down, I suspect that Thea will be very reluctant to tell Evvy the full enormity directly. Evvy may have to wait until Marcia gets home, but since she'll definitely spill all the beans, having a pretty good idea of what's been happening, the fat will truly be in the fire!

Maybe this is where the girls are sent to the Chalet School, even if they are a little young for it.

Last edited by Elder in Ontario on Sun May 08, 2005 11:47 pm; edited 1 time in total

#181: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 11:28 pm

excellent nurse!

*my faith in the staff of the school is restored*

#182: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 1:53 am

Well done, Nurse Solomons! That's telling her. Very Happy

Hope Evvy gets the straight story one way or another.

Looks forward to the repercussions when she does. Twisted Evil

#183: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 5:55 am

Yay for Nurse!

I got the feeling she isn't too impresses with Miss Langdon Rolling Eyes

I wonder if the Head will wake up to what's going on?

(((Thea)))

Thanks Jo.

#184: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 10:14 am

good for Nurse Solomons.

hope the head listens to evvy, edgar and the nurse, not that evil teacher woman.

Also get the feeling ned is about to get into serious trouble...

thanks Jo

#185: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 10:47 am

Huzzah for Nurse Solomons, Im glad Thea has one supporter at school. And as for Miss Langdon, if you think your pupil is impossible and dont know whats wrong with her, how about trying to find out?? Or ask someone else to talk to her!! grrrrrrrr

Thanks Jo Very Happy

#186: Re: The Swiss Family Watson Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 4:13 pm

Elder in Ontario wrote:

Maybe this is where the girls are sent to the Chalet School, even if they are a little young for it.

But didn't Jo say that they were at the UN school for two years? And they're nowhere near that yet...

Thanks Jo! Good for Nurse Solomons Very Happy

#187: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 6:31 pm

i've just caught up on loads! hurrah!

*Pokes eeevil teacher and franny grrr*

#188: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 8:27 pm

Lets hope all of the evil teacher's behaviour comes out now the Nurse has realised there's something up.

*cuddles Thea*

#189: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 9:41 am

“Well really!” Miss Langdon exclaimed indignantly as Nurse Solomons walked out of the door. “Of all the cheek! There was nothing wrong with her at all – at least nothing that a good talking to wouldn’t fix. Honestly, she’s impossible in class – either she’s talking out of turn and showing off, or she’s totally unresponsive. And she hasn’t made a single friend either, from what I can see.”

Mr. Anthony, to whom this tirade had been addressed, thought for a moment and then turned around to face his games teacher – the only other teacher in the school to have close contact with Thea. “Miss Redmond, do you find her the same?”

Miss Redmond nodded. “She doesn’t cheek me, but she is very quiet and solitary – in fact she’s almost aloof in her attitude, if I’m honest, as if she thinks she’s somehow better than the others. She certainly doesn’t seem to have made any friends, and makes no effort to join in. Quite the opposite to her sister.”

“I see. Well in that case,” the Headmaster replied, turning his attention back to Miss Langdon, “I think you’d better come along to my study and tell me everything that’s been going on. Her parents are coming to see me on Friday, and I should really be armed with the facts beforehand.” Picking his cup of coffee up from the table in front of him, he made his way out of the room, Miss Langdon following in his wake.

Back at the Watsons, Thea climbed out of the car and made her way inside the house. She was still very fragile, and was swallowing and blinking hard in an effort to keep her tears at bay. Evadne followed a moment later and closing the door behind her, she walked across to her stepdaughter, taking her satchel from her shoulder and bending down to look her in the face.

“What do you want to do? Do you want to go up to bed if you’re feeling sick?”

Thea shook her head and reached out to grab her stepmother’s arm. “I want to stay with you,” she almost whispered, tears springing to her eyes again.

“Oh sweetheart, it’s okay, come here.” Evadne pulled Thea towards her and into a hug. “Of course you can stay with me if that’s what you want,” she said, gently stroking the smooth, brown locks as Thea hugged her back. “I tell you what, how about we make you up a nice, snug bed on the couch? Then you can lie down and get some rest as well.”

Thea nodded and pulled back, raising her hand to scrub her eyes. Evadne leaned forward, dropping a kiss on the young girl’s forehead before getting to her feet. “Go on then – you run up and get changed into your nightdress and I’ll hunt out some blankets and pillows. Remember to grab a book or two if you want them too.”

Giving her a slight smile, Thea turned and ran up the stairs to do as she was told. Evadne watched her go, and then shaking her head, she sighed and headed in the direction of the laundry.

Fifteen minutes later, Thea was cuddled up on the sofa in the salon, clutching her teddy bear in her arms. Evadne pulled up the blankets, making sure that she was securely tucked in, and then sat down beside her, stroking her stepdaughter’s hair and gazing down at the delicate little face below her.

“Thea, what happened at school today?” She watched as the little jaw began to shake and tears welled up in Thea’s eyes again. “Come on, sweetie, it’s okay, you can tell me.”

There was silence as Thea shook her head, a couple of tears escaping to run down her cheeks. Evvy gently wiped them away and then tried again.

“Thea, what is it? What’s going on?”

“Nothing, Mummy, I just don’t feel well.”

Evadne reached out to feel Thea’s forehead. It was cool and dry; there were no signs whatsoever that she was ill. “That’s not really it, is it?” she asked, and Thea looked away, avoiding her eyes. “Please, sweetheart, tell me what’s wrong.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it does! If something’s upset you then it matters very much. You were okay this morning. Did Miss Langdon like your villa?” At mention of her villa, Thea buried her head in her pillow and began to cry. “Is that what this is about? Didn’t she like it?”

Thea shook her head. “’S’not it,” came the muffled reply.

“Then what is it? Thea, please, you have to tell me.”

“Can’t.”

“Of course you can!”

“Please, Mummy, it doesn’t matter. I can’t.” She was working herself up into a fit as she lay there, and Evadne reached down, pulling her close.

“Okay, come on - I’m sorry, darling, I won’t make you. Come here,” and lifting her up, Evadne twisted her around and pulled her into her lap. Thea buried her face in Evvy’s shoulder, clinging to her as tears flowed down her cheeks. As she held her stepdaughter tightly, waiting for the storm to subside, Evadne closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It broke her heart to see Thea obviously hurting so much. She just wished she knew what was wrong.

It was half an hour before Thea finally calmed down. By then, she was so emotionally exhausted that she began to doze off in Evadne’s arms. Lowering her back onto the sofa, Evvy tucked the blankets around her, kissed her on the forehead, and left her to get some much-needed sleep.

She didn’t wake again until mid-afternoon. Evadne had toyed with the idea of going back down to the school to see if she could find out what was going on, but she was worried about Thea waking up and finding her gone, so she decided against it. But at three o’clock, she realised that somebody would have to go and collect Marcia from school. She was just on the verge of asking Guilia if she would mind going, when she heard a stirring from the sofa, and glanced up to see Thea looking over at her, bleary-eyed.

“Hey there. You feeling a little better?” Thea nodded, and Evadne got up out of her chair and walked across to sit down on the sofa. “Listen, sweetheart, I have to go and collect Marcia from school. Will you be okay here with Guilia, or do you want to come with me?”

“I’ll stay here please.”

“Okay. Well make sure you call Guilia if you need anything, and I’ll be back as soon as I can. And we’re having shepherd’s pie, your favourite, for dinner.”

Thea gave her a slight grin. “Did you make it?”

“Yes I did, and it’ll be very good, thank you very much!” Evvy replied indignantly. Then glancing conspiratorially over her shoulder, she whispered, “Don’t tell anyone, but Guilia taught me how to make it!” Thea giggled, and Evadne bent down to kiss her on the cheek. “Okay, you be good, and I’ll be back soon,” and standing up, she gave Thea a wink and left the room.

Arriving at the school gates fifteen minutes later, she was surprised to be met by Marcia’s teacher, Miss Vallance, who was standing gripping Marcia by the shoulder. That young lady was looking very subdued, and out of the corner of her eye, Evvy caught sight of Mrs. Bown leading away an equally sullen-looking Ann.

“Lady Watson, I’m sorry to have to do this,” Miss Vallance said, giving Evadne an apologetic look, “but I’ve been told I have to make sure you know that Marcia’s been put on report.”

Evadne glanced at Marcia, who stared down at her shoes, and then looked back up at the teacher. “What on earth’s she been put on report for?” she asked, wondering what mischief Marcia had been up to now.

“She...erm…she and Ann got into a fight in the playground with some of the other girls.”

Whatever Evadne was expecting to hear, it certainly wasn’t that. “She what?” Evvy exclaimed, shocked. “But Marcia wouldn’t fight a fly!”

“Yes, well…er…I’ll leave her to tell you what it was about, but it appears Miss Hope caught her pulling another girl’s hair.” Miss Vallance gave her another apologetic look and handed over a thin, white envelope. “This tells you all about it, I believe. Well, I’d better let you get on. I’ll see you tomorrow, Marcia,” and without another word, she turned and headed back across the playground.

Stunned, Evadne watched her go. Then looking down at Marcia, who was still staring at the ground, she said, “In the car – now! We’ll talk about this when we get home.”

Marcia glanced up at her, and then did as she was told. Evadne followed her, made sure she was strapped in properly, and then climbed in and started the engine. The fifteen minute drive home passed in silence, and it wasn’t until Evadne turned the car into the driveway that Marcia finally spoke.

“Mummy, how’s Thea?”

Evvy glanced at her out of her corner of her eye. “She’s not feeling too well. She’s having a rest on the couch.” She paused for a moment, as she pulled the car up outside the house, and then turned around to face her stepdaughter. “Marcia, do you know what’s been going on?”

Marcia stared at her for a moment, and then undid her seatbelt. “Maybe,” she replied, and then before Evadne could say anything else, she opened the car door and jumped out of her seat. Running in through the front door, she made her way straight to the salon to where Thea was lying on the sofa reading a book.

“Thea, you have to tell!”

Thea looked up in surprise. “I can’t,” she said, shaking her head. “You don’t understand.” She could feel tears pricking the back of her eyes again and she blinked hard.

“You have to!” Marcia replied, stamping her foot. “Ann told me what happened and it’s not right! You have to tell Mummy or I will!”

“You have to tell Mummy what?” Both girls jumped at the sound of Evadne’s voice, and Marcia span around to face her. “Well come along, I’m waiting. What do you have to tell me?”

#190: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 11:02 am

At last! Maybe Thea can get some help now.

As Elder said earlier, the Chalet School has GOT to be better than the way teachers treat their pupils at this school.

Come on, Evadne!

#191: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 12:03 pm

What a useless school Shocked

I've been doing some calculations (fingers and toes type) and suddenly realised it's before recognition of bullying really got going.

However, it's not much better now. I've a grandson who has been declared disruptive because he anwers too many questions and asks too many as well. The teacher doesn't like it and neither do his classmates who then bully him in the playground for being a swot.

The Head wants him declared special needs as he is 'lacking communication skills'.

I do hope Evadne can get to the bottom of this!

#192: Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 12:09 pm

Thank goodness Evvy heard them. At least Marcia won't have the sneaking/reporting thing hanging over her.

Could part of the reason they don't go to CS yet be that Evvy and Edgar didn't want them to feel that they were just be shoved off to school after they got married. With all the other changes in their lives over the last few years some stability could be could be a good thing(apart from horrible teacher). Jessica Wayne and Francie Wilford come to mind.

#193: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 12:44 pm

*Pokes evil school and evil teachers*

Thank you Jo - I just hope Evvy gets the whole story out of the two girls... *crosses fingers*

#194: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 12:50 pm

Thanks Jo

I hope this means Evvy is going to find out what's going wrong. And that the bullying will be dealt with properly, not just pushed underground.

Liz

#195: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 4:20 pm

Thank you Jo!!

Please let things get sorted for Thea!

#196: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 7:21 pm

patmac wrote:

However, it's not much better now. I've a grandson who has been declared disruptive because he anwers too many questions and asks too many as well. The teacher doesn't like it and neither do his classmates who then bully him in the playground for being a swot.

The Head wants him declared special needs as he is 'lacking communication skills'.

What????? Pat, I'm shocked to read this - that's awful! Why doesn't the school do something about the kids who are bullying him instead of blaming it on him? Have they never thought the other kids could learn something from the questions he's answering/asking? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Hope something gets sorted soon.

and thanks Josie for another wonderful installment. I hope Thea comes clean now and we get an angry Evvy scene! Smile

#197: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 7:29 pm

Patmac that's disgusting - like Donna I'm appalled at the school.

Jo - love this post - glad that Marcia got in trouble - it will, hopefully, ensure that everything comes into the open.

Hope the Headmaster is better at ferreting out problems than either of the other two teachers. swear

#198: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 7:39 pm

Yes tell Mummy!
Hoping the old Evvy comes out !

#199: The Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 7:47 pm

Like Donna & Lesley, I'm truly appalled by this situation Patmac - I know peer pressure is bad enough outside the classroom from a far too young age, but didn't realise that using one's intelligence in class had such consequences!

This was another great post - sounds as if Marcia and Ann endeavoured to defend Thea and got into trouble for it. At least this way, Evvy will get the real story, because if Thea won't tell her, then Marcia certainly will!

Here's hoping the Headmaster can settle the situation before Evvy removes both girls in disgust at what's been going on. As for Miss Langdon..... - words (at least printable ones!) fail me.

More soon, please.

#200: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:21 pm